What is Elsholtzia Splendens Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract?
Elsholtzia Splendens Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, also known as Xiang Ru or Korean Mint, is a plant extract derived from a perennial herb that is native to East Asia. This ingredient is rich in flavonoids, phenolic acids, and essential oils, which are known for their antioxidant properties. It is also known by its botanical name, Elsholtzia ciliata, and is a member of the Lamiaceae family.
The use of Elsholtzia Splendens in cosmetics is relatively recent, but the plant itself has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine. It was typically used for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. The process of extracting the beneficial components from the plant involves a method known as steam distillation. This process allows the extraction of the essential oils and other beneficial compounds from the flowers, leaves, and stems of the plant.
Elsholtzia Splendens Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract is often compared to other plant extracts used in cosmetics for their antioxidant and skin conditioning properties, such as green tea extract or chamomile extract. However, Elsholtzia Splendens stands out due to its unique combination of flavonoids and phenolic acids, which provide a potent antioxidant effect.
This ingredient is typically used in a variety of skincare products, including moisturizers, serums, and toners. Its skin conditioning and protecting properties make it a valuable addition to these products, helping to improve skin texture and protect the skin from environmental stressors.
Benefits and Uses
In this section, we will delve into the officially recognized benefits and uses of Elsholtzia Splendens Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract:
Antioxidant
Elsholtzia Splendens Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract is officially recognized as an antioxidant. In layman’s terms, this means that it helps protect your skin from damage caused by harmful molecules known as free radicals. These free radicals are often generated due to exposure to environmental stressors like pollution and UV rays. By neutralizing these free radicals, the extract helps to maintain the health and vitality of your skin, preventing premature aging and keeping your skin looking youthful and radiant.
Skin Conditioning
Another official function of Elsholtzia Splendens Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract is skin conditioning. This means that it helps to make your skin feel softer, smoother, and more supple. It achieves this by enhancing the skin’s ability to retain moisture, thereby preventing dryness and flakiness. This makes the extract a valuable ingredient in products designed to hydrate and nourish the skin, such as moisturizers, serums, and masks.
Skin Protecting
Elsholtzia Splendens Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract is also recognized for its skin-protecting properties. This means that it forms a protective barrier on the skin’s surface, shielding it from environmental aggressors like dirt, pollutants, and harsh weather conditions. This helps to keep your skin healthy and resilient, reducing the likelihood of skin problems such as irritation, inflammation, and breakouts.
It’s important to note that these benefits are based on the officially recognized and defined functions of Elsholtzia Splendens Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract. There may be other benefits and uses of this ingredient that go beyond the scope of these official functions. However, these additional benefits are not officially recognized and therefore, should be considered with caution.
Safety Profile
Elsholtzia Splendens Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract is not a banned or regulated ingredient in cosmetics. It is generally considered safe for use in skincare and cosmetic products. However, as with any ingredient, individual reactions can vary, and it is always recommended to do a patch test before using a product containing this ingredient widely.
As far as allergenic potential is concerned, there are no known common allergens associated with Elsholtzia Splendens Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract. However, individuals with sensitive skin or allergies should always consult with a dermatologist or healthcare professional before using new products.
Potential side effects of topical application of Elsholtzia Splendens Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract may include:
- Minor skin irritation
- Redness
- Dryness
A note for women who are pregnant and/or breastfeeding – there is currently insufficient data to definitively state whether Elsholtzia Splendens Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract is safe for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. As such, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for further advice.
Adverse reactions to Elsholtzia Splendens Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract are not common, but as with any skincare ingredient, individual reactions can vary. It is always recommended to do a patch test before using a product containing this ingredient widely.
This ingredient analysis has been commissioned by Truth In Skincare (TiS), an independent industry regulator. The analysis was conducted by a TiS-appointed industry consultant, using sources including the CosIng (Cosmetic Ingredient Database – by the European Commission), the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA), and other various publicly available sources.
