What is Paeonia Lactiflora Flower Water?
Paeonia Lactiflora Flower Water, also known as Peony Flower Water, is an aqueous solution derived from the steam distillates of the flowers of Paeonia lactiflora, a species belonging to the Paeoniaceae family. This ingredient is rich in antioxidants and has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in East Asia, where it is native.
The process of obtaining Paeonia Lactiflora Flower Water involves steam distillation, a method commonly used to extract essential oils and other aromatic compounds. The flowers of Paeonia lactiflora are subjected to steam, and the resulting condensate, which contains the essence of the flower, is collected. This condensate is then mixed with water to create Paeonia Lactiflora Flower Water.
Similar to other floral waters such as rose or lavender water, Paeonia Lactiflora Flower Water is used for its skin-protecting and antioxidant properties. However, what sets it apart is its unique composition. Paeonia Lactiflora Flower Water is known to contain paeoniflorin, a chemical compound that has been studied for its potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which may contribute to its skin-protecting properties.
Typically, Paeonia Lactiflora Flower Water is used in a variety of cosmetic products, including but not limited to moisturizers and serums. Its antioxidant properties make it a popular ingredient in products designed to protect the skin from environmental stressors, while its skin-protecting function makes it suitable for products aimed at soothing and calming the skin.
Benefits and Uses
In this section, we will delve into the officially recognized benefits and uses of Paeonia Lactiflora Flower Water:
Antioxidant Properties
Paeonia Lactiflora Flower Water is recognized for its antioxidant properties. In simple terms, antioxidants are substances that can prevent or slow damage to cells caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that the body produces as a reaction to environmental and other pressures. This means that products containing Paeonia Lactiflora Flower Water can help protect your skin from the harmful effects of environmental pollutants and oxidative stress, which can lead to premature aging and skin damage.
Skin Protecting
Another official function of Paeonia Lactiflora Flower Water is its skin-protecting ability. This means that it can help to form a barrier on the skin’s surface, preventing the loss of moisture and protecting it from harmful external factors such as UV rays, pollution, and harsh weather conditions. This can result in healthier, more resilient skin.
It’s important to note that the benefits listed here are based on the officially recognized and defined functions of Paeonia Lactiflora Flower Water. There may be other potential benefits and uses of this ingredient that go beyond the scope of its official functions. However, these are not officially recognized and therefore, not discussed in this article.
Safety Profile
Paeonia Lactiflora Flower Water 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 Paeonia Lactiflora Flower Water may include:
- Redness
- Itching
- Skin irritation
A note for women who are pregnant and/or breastfeeding – there is currently a lack of data on the safety of topical usage of Paeonia Lactiflora Flower Water during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional for further advice.
Side effects or adverse reactions from this ingredient are not common, but it is always recommended to perform a patch test before widespread usage to ensure there is no adverse reaction.
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 whose sources include CosIng (Cosmetic Ingredient Database – by the European Commission), the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) as well as other various publicly available sources.
