Crassula argentea leaf water is an aqueous extract of Crassula argentea (a plant belonging to the Crassulaceae family) also known as the Jade Plant or Money Plant, is a popular succulent plant often used as an ornamental garden or indoor plant. The water derived from the leaves of this plant may have beneficial properties for the skin.
The name describes the structure of the ingredient
- "Crassula argentea" is the botanical name for what is commonly known as the Jade Plant or Money Plant.
- "Leaf water" indicates that the water is derived or extracted from the leaves of this plant.
Description of raw materials used in production
- The primary raw material for this ingredient is the water collected or extracted from the leaves of the Crassula argentea plant.
Extraction process
- Collection of leaves - Mature leaves of Crassula argentea are harvested.
- Extraction - Water is extracted from the leaves through distillation processes or other extraction methods.
- Filtration - The extracted water is filtered to remove impurities and particles.
- Preservation and stabilization - If needed, preservatives or stabilizers might be added to prolong the shelf life of the leaf water.
- Packaging - The leaf water is then packaged into suitable containers for sale or use in cosmetic products.
What it is for and where
Cosmetics
Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment as it has the function of 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 that can be added in the formulation.
Humectant. Hygroscopic compound used to minimise water loss in the skin and to prevent it from drying out by facilitating faster and greater absorption of water into the stratum corneum of the epidermis. The epidermis is the most superficial of the three layers that make up human skin (epidermis, dermis and hypodermis) and is the layer that maintains hydration in all three layers. In turn, the epidermis is composed of five layers: horny, the most superficial, granular, spinous, shiny, and basal. Humectants have the ability to retain the water they attract from the air in the stratum corneum and have the function of moisturising the skin. They are best used before emollients, which are oil-based.
Commercial applications - Cosmetic Uses
- Hydration: Like many succulents, Crassula argentea can store water in its leaves, and its leaf water might be considered for moisturizing formulations.
- Skin-soothing: Some believe that components of the Jade Plant can help soothe the skin, though scientific evidence is limited.
Traditional Uses
- Wound Healing: There are traditional beliefs that the sap from the leaves can be applied to cuts and wounds to promote healing, though clinical evidence is sparse.
Research Interest
- Antimicrobial properties: Some preliminary studies have looked into the antimicrobial properties of the Jade Plant.
