What is Morus Alba Callus Extract?
Morus Alba Callus Extract, also known as White Mulberry Callus Extract, is derived from the callus of the Morus Alba plant, a member of the Moraceae family. This plant is commonly known as the white mulberry, a species native to northern China, and now widely cultivated and naturalized elsewhere. The callus, a form of undifferentiated plant tissue, is grown in a controlled culture environment to produce the extract.
The use of Morus Alba in traditional medicine and skincare dates back centuries, particularly in East Asia. Its leaves, bark, and fruit have been utilized for their various beneficial properties. However, it was only in recent years that the cosmetic industry began to harness the potential of Morus Alba Callus Extract. This was largely due to advancements in biotechnology, which allowed for the cultivation of callus tissue and the extraction of its beneficial compounds.
The production of Morus Alba Callus Extract involves growing the callus tissue in a sterile, controlled environment. Once the callus has matured, it is harvested and processed to extract the beneficial compounds. This process ensures a high concentration of the active ingredients, making it a potent addition to cosmetic formulations.
While there are other plant callus extracts used in cosmetics, Morus Alba Callus Extract stands out due to its unique antioxidant and skin-protecting properties. These are attributed to the presence of various phytochemicals in the extract, including flavonoids and phenolic compounds. This sets it apart from other similar ingredients, which may not offer the same range of benefits.
Morus Alba Callus Extract is typically used in a variety of skincare products, including moisturizers and serums. Its antioxidant properties make it a valuable ingredient in anti-aging formulations, while its skin-protecting function makes it suitable for products designed to shield the skin from environmental stressors. Regardless of the type of product, Morus Alba Callus Extract contributes to healthier, more resilient skin.
Benefits and Uses
In this section, we will delve into the officially recognized benefits and uses of Morus Alba Callus Extract:
Antioxidant Properties
Morus Alba Callus Extract is officially recognized for its antioxidant properties. In layman’s terms, this means it can help protect your skin from damage caused by harmful molecules known as free radicals. These free radicals are often a byproduct of environmental stressors like pollution and UV radiation. By neutralizing these free radicals, Morus Alba Callus Extract can help to maintain the health and vitality of your skin, potentially slowing down the aging process and reducing visible signs of skin damage.
Skin Protecting
Another official function of Morus Alba Callus Extract is its skin-protecting capabilities. This means that it can help to form a barrier on the skin’s surface, protecting it from environmental stressors and potential irritants. This can be particularly beneficial for those with sensitive or easily irritated skin, as it can help to reduce redness, inflammation, and discomfort. Furthermore, by providing this protective barrier, Morus Alba Callus Extract can also help to maintain the skin’s natural moisture balance, preventing dryness and dehydration.
It’s important to note that these benefits are based on the officially recognized and defined functions of Morus Alba Callus Extract. There may be other potential benefits and uses of this ingredient that go beyond these official functions. However, these additional benefits are not officially recognized and therefore fall outside the scope of this discussion.
Safety Profile
Morus Alba Callus Extract is not a banned or regulated ingredient in cosmetics. It is generally considered safe for use in skincare and cosmetic products. However, like any ingredient, it may not be suitable for all skin types and there is always a potential for allergic reactions.
Potential side effects of topical application of Morus Alba Callus Extract may include:
- Redness
- Itching
- Skin irritation
A note for women who are pregnant and/or breastfeeding – There is currently insufficient data regarding the safety of Morus Alba Callus Extract for topical use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. As a precaution, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional before using products containing this ingredient during these periods.
Side effects or adverse reactions from Morus Alba Callus Extract are not common, but individual responses can vary. It is always recommended to perform a patch test before using any new product widely on your skin.
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.
