What is Panax Ginseng Flower Extract?
Panax Ginseng Flower Extract is a natural ingredient derived from the flowers of the Panax ginseng plant, a species in the Araliaceae family. It is also known by other names such as Ginseng Flower Extract and Ginseng Root Extract. This extract is rich in a variety of beneficial compounds including ginsenosides, polysaccharides, peptides, polyacetylenic alcohols, and fatty acids.
The use of Panax ginseng in traditional medicine dates back thousands of years, particularly in East Asia. Its roots were often used for their restorative properties, but over time, the benefits of the plant’s flowers were also discovered. The extract from these flowers started to be used in cosmetic products due to its antioxidant and skin conditioning properties.
The process of making Panax Ginseng Flower Extract involves harvesting the flowers of the Panax ginseng plant, drying them, and then soaking them in a solvent such as water or alcohol. This allows the beneficial compounds to be drawn out of the flowers. The solvent is then evaporated, leaving behind the concentrated extract.
While there are other plant extracts used in cosmetics for their antioxidant and skin conditioning properties, Panax Ginseng Flower Extract stands out due to its unique combination of compounds. For instance, ginsenosides, which are a type of steroid glycoside, are believed to be responsible for much of the extract’s beneficial effects on the skin.
Panax Ginseng Flower Extract is typically used in a variety of cosmetic products. Due to its skin conditioning properties, it is often found in moisturizers and serums. Its antioxidant properties also make it a popular ingredient in anti-aging products, as it can help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals.
Benefits and Uses
In this section, we will delve into the officially recognized benefits and uses of Panax Ginseng Flower Extract:
Antioxidant Properties
Panax Ginseng Flower Extract is known for its potent antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are substances that help protect our skin cells from damage caused by harmful molecules known as free radicals. In the context of skincare, this means that products containing this ingredient can help to prevent premature aging and maintain the health and vitality of the skin. This is achieved by neutralizing the harmful effects of environmental stressors such as pollution and UV radiation, which can lead to wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging.
Skin Conditioning
Another official function of Panax Ginseng Flower Extract is its role as a skin conditioner. This means that it helps to make the skin feel smoother, softer, and more supple. It achieves this by enhancing the skin’s ability to retain moisture, thereby preventing dryness and maintaining the skin’s natural balance. This can result in a more youthful and radiant appearance, making this ingredient a popular choice in many skincare products.
It’s important to note that the benefits listed above are based on the officially recognized and defined functions of Panax Ginseng Flower Extract. 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, should be considered with caution.
Safety Profile
Panax Ginseng Flower 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 may not be suitable for all skin types.
While it is generally well-tolerated, some potential side effects of topical application of Panax Ginseng Flower Extract include:
- Redness
- Itching
- Skin irritation
A note for women who are pregnant and/or breastfeeding – There is currently insufficient data on the safety of topical use of Panax Ginseng Flower Extract during pregnancy or breastfeeding. As such, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for further advice.
Adverse reactions to Panax Ginseng Flower Extract 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 performed 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.
