What is Totarol?
Totarol, also known as 2-Phenanthrenol, 4b,5,6,7,8,8a,9,10-Octahydro-4b,8,8-Trimethyl-1-(1-Methylethyl)-,(4bS,8aS)-, is a naturally occurring compound derived from the heartwood of the Totara tree, native to New Zealand. This tree has a long history of use by the Maori people for its medicinal properties, and in recent years, its potent antioxidant properties have been harnessed for use in cosmetic products.
The process of extracting Totarol for cosmetic use involves a complex distillation process. The heartwood of the Totara tree is first ground into a fine powder, which is then subjected to steam distillation. This process separates the Totarol from the other components of the wood, resulting in a pure, concentrated form of the compound.
While there are other natural antioxidants used in cosmetics, such as Vitamin C and E, Totarol stands out for its stability and potency. Unlike many other antioxidants, Totarol does not degrade easily when exposed to light or air, making it an excellent choice for use in skincare products. Moreover, it is more potent than Vitamin E and about as potent as Vitamin C, making it a powerful tool in the fight against free radicals.
Typically, Totarol is used in a variety of cosmetic products, including moisturizers, serums, and even oral care products. Its antioxidant properties make it a popular choice for anti-aging products, as it can help to protect the skin from the damaging effects of environmental stressors. Additionally, its deodorant properties make it a useful ingredient in natural deodorants, while its oral care properties make it beneficial for use in toothpaste and mouthwash.
Benefits and Uses
In this section, we will delve into the officially recognized benefits and uses of Totarol:
Antioxidant
As an antioxidant, Totarol plays a crucial role in protecting your skin from harmful free radicals. These free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause damage to your skin cells, leading to premature aging and skin diseases. Totarol neutralizes these free radicals, thereby preventing them from causing harm. This means that products containing Totarol can help keep your skin looking youthful and healthy.
Deodorant
Totarol also functions as a deodorant. It has the ability to neutralize body odors, making it a common ingredient in many personal care products. The deodorant properties of Totarol are due to its ability to inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause body odor. So, if you see Totarol listed as an ingredient in your deodorant, it’s there to help keep you smelling fresh.
Oral Care
Another official function of Totarol is in oral care. It’s often used in toothpastes and mouthwashes due to its antimicrobial properties. It can help prevent the growth of bacteria in the mouth, reducing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. So, Totarol not only keeps your skin healthy and your body smelling good, but it also contributes to your oral health.
Please note that these benefits are based on the officially recognized and defined functions of Totarol. There may be other benefits and uses of this ingredient that go beyond the scope of these official functions.
Safety Profile
Totarol, as per the CosIng Database, 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 everyone and may cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
Potential side effects of topical application of Totarol may 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 Totarol during pregnancy or breastfeeding. As such, it is recommended that you consult a healthcare professional for further advice if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and considering the use of products containing Totarol.
While adverse reactions to Totarol are not common, it is always recommended to perform a patch test before using any new product widely. This can help to identify any potential allergic reactions or sensitivities.
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, with 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.
