Salvia Officinalis Leaf Water, also known as sage hydrosol, is an aromatic water obtained through the steam distillation of the leaves of the Salvia officinalis plant. This hydrosol is valued for its refreshing, astringent, and purifying properties, and is primarily used in cosmetic products for skin and hair care. Its gentle action makes it suitable for sensitive or irritated skin, helping to balance sebum, purify pores, and tone the skin.
Chemical Composition and Structure
Salvia Officinalis Leaf Water contains trace amounts of essential oils and water-soluble compounds found in sage leaves, including rosmarinic acid, flavonoids, and small amounts of cineole. These components provide the water with antioxidant, soothing, and mildly antibacterial properties, helping calm the skin and improve its hydration without being harsh.
Physical Properties
It appears as a clear, water-soluble liquid with a light, fresh herbal scent. Its lightweight, non-greasy texture makes it ideal for use as a toner, refreshing spray, or hydrating base in skin and hair care products. It can be used alone or as an ingredient in cosmetic formulations.
Production Process
Salvia Officinalis Leaf Water is obtained as a byproduct of the steam distillation of sage leaves for essential oil extraction. During this process, steam passes through the leaves, extracting volatile and water-soluble compounds. The condensed water captures these substances, forming the hydrosol, which is then separated from the essential oil and filtered for cosmetic use.
Applications
Medical: Salvia Officinalis Leaf Water can be used to refresh and soothe irritated or inflamed skin. In some herbal applications, it is used for its mild antibacterial and calming properties.
Cosmetics: Salvia Officinalis Leaf Water is primarily used in cosmetics such as toners, lotions, and refreshing sprays. It is ideal for balancing and purifying oily or combination skin due to its astringent and purifying properties. Its gentleness also makes it suitable for sensitive skin, leaving it fresh and hydrated. It is often used as a base in hydrating and rejuvenating formulations.
Hair Care: Salvia Officinalis Leaf Water is also used in hair products to purify the scalp, reduce excess oil, and tone the scalp. It is found in scalp tonics and refreshing hair sprays, helping keep hair light and clean.
INCI Functions:
Fragrance. It plays a very important role in the formulation of cosmetic products as it allows perfume to be enhanced, masked or added to the final product, improving its commercial viability. The consumer always expects to find a pleasant scent in a cosmetic product.
Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment by restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants.
CAS 8022-56-8 84082-79-1
EC number 282-025-9 282-025-9
Industry: In the cosmetic industry, it is used as the aqueous phase in emulsions, tonics, and other skincare and haircare products. Its ability to offer soothing and refreshing action makes it ideal for natural products and formulations free from harsh chemicals.
Environmental and Safety Considerations
Salvia Officinalis Leaf Water is considered safe for cosmetic use. As a byproduct of sage distillation, it is entirely natural, biodegradable, and poses no environmental risks. Its production is sustainable, as it is generated during the essential oil extraction process, reducing waste.
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