What is Sideritis Syriaca Extract?
Sideritis Syriaca Extract, also known as Ironwort, Mountain Tea, and Shepherd’s Tea, is a plant extract derived from the Sideritis syriaca L., a member of the Lamiaceae family. This plant is native to the Mediterranean region and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its various health benefits. The extract is rich in flavonoids, polyphenols, and essential oils, which contribute to its antioxidant, skin conditioning, and skin protecting properties.
The use of Sideritis Syriaca Extract in cosmetics can be traced back to ancient times when it was used for its healing and soothing properties. Today, it is obtained through a process of steam distillation, where the whole plant is subjected to high temperatures to extract the beneficial compounds. This process ensures that the extract retains its potent antioxidant properties, making it an effective ingredient in skincare products.
While there are other plant extracts used in cosmetics for their antioxidant properties, such as green tea and rosemary extracts, Sideritis Syriaca Extract stands out for its unique composition. It contains a high concentration of flavonoids and polyphenols, which are known for their powerful antioxidant effects. These compounds help to neutralize harmful free radicals, thereby protecting the skin from oxidative stress and premature aging.
Sideritis Syriaca Extract is typically used in a variety of skincare products, including moisturizers, serums, and anti-aging creams. Its skin conditioning properties help to improve the skin’s texture and appearance, while its skin protecting properties help to shield the skin from environmental stressors. As an antioxidant, it also helps to boost the skin’s natural defense system, making it a valuable ingredient in skincare formulations.
Benefits and Uses
In this section, we will delve into the officially recognized benefits and uses of Sideritis Syriaca Extract:
Antioxidant Properties
Sideritis Syriaca Extract is known for its potent antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are crucial in skincare as they help to protect the skin from harmful free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause damage to the skin cells, leading to premature aging and other skin issues. By neutralizing these free radicals, the antioxidant properties of Sideritis Syriaca Extract can help to maintain the health and vitality of the skin, keeping it looking youthful and radiant.
Skin Conditioning
Another key benefit of Sideritis Syriaca Extract is its skin conditioning properties. As a skin conditioner, it works to enhance the appearance and feel of the skin. It achieves this by increasing the skin’s hydration, suppleness, and smoothness. This can result in skin that feels softer and more comfortable, and looks healthier and more vibrant.
Skin Protecting
Sideritis Syriaca Extract also serves as a skin protectant. This means it helps to form a barrier on the skin’s surface, shielding it from environmental stressors such as pollution, harsh weather conditions, and UV rays. This protective layer can help to prevent skin damage and maintain the skin’s overall health and integrity.
It’s important to note that these benefits are based on the officially recognized and defined functions of Sideritis Syriaca 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, are not discussed in this article.
Safety Profile
Sideritis Syriaca Extract is not a banned or regulated ingredient in cosmetics. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetic products. However, like any ingredient, it may not be suitable for all skin types and there is always a potential for allergic reactions. It is always recommended to conduct a patch test before using any new product on a larger area of skin.
Potential side effects of topical application of Sideritis Syriaca Extract may include:
- Redness
- Itching
- Skin irritation
A note for women who are pregnant and/or breastfeeding – There is currently insufficient data to definitively state whether Sideritis Syriaca Extract is safe for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. As such, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional before using products containing this ingredient during these periods.
Adverse reactions to Sideritis Syriaca Extract are not common, but they can occur. It is always recommended to conduct a patch test before using any new product on a larger area of 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), as well as other various publicly available sources.
