Leontopodium Alpinum Callus Powder is a naturally derived compound.
Leontopodium Alpinum callus powder, derived from the culture of edelweiss cells, is an innovative ingredient in the cosmetic and skincare industry. This powder is known for its regenerative and antioxidant properties, making it particularly suitable for anti-aging products and the care of sensitive or damaged skin.
Origin. Produced from the culture of Leontopodium Alpinum cells, a plant known for its resilience and ability to survive in extreme conditions.
Functions of Raw Materials.
Edelweiss Cells. These cells are cultivated in a laboratory setting and are rich in bioactive compounds that promote skin regeneration and offer powerful antioxidant protection.
Industrial Production Process
- Cell Culture. Edelweiss cells are cultivated under controlled conditions to maximize the production of bioactive compounds.
- Drying. After growth, the cells are dried to transform them into powder.
- Purification. The powder is purified to remove impurities and concentrate the active compounds.
- Quality Control. Each batch of Leontopodium Alpinum callus powder undergoes rigorous quality checks to ensure its efficacy and safety.
What it is for and where
Cosmetics - INCI Functions
Antimicrobial agent. This ingredient is able to suppress or inhibit the growth and replication of a broad spectrum of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and viruses by making the stratum corneum temporarily bactericidal and fungicidal.
Antioxidant agent. Ingredient that counteracts oxidative stress and prevents cell damage. Free radicals, pathological inflammatory processes, reactive nitrogen species and reactive oxygen species are responsible for the ageing process and many diseases caused by oxidation.
Hair conditioning agent. A significant number of ingredients with specific and targeted purposes may co-exist in hair shampoo formulations: cleansers, conditioners, thickeners, matting agents, sequestering agents, fragrances, preservatives, special additives. However, the indispensable ingredients are the cleansers and conditioners as they are necessary and sufficient for hair cleansing and manageability. The others act as commercial and non-essential auxiliaries such as: appearance, fragrance, colouring, etc. Hair conditioning agents have the task of increasing shine, manageability and volume, and reducing static electricity, especially after treatments such as colouring, ironing, waving, drying and brushing. They are, in practice, dispersants that may contain cationic surfactants, thickeners, emollients, polymers. The typology of hair conditioning agents includes: intensive conditioners, instant conditioners, thickening conditioners, drying conditioners. They can perform their task generally accompanied by other different ingredients.
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.
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.
Skin protectant. It creates a protective barrier on the skin to defend it from harmful substances, irritants, allergens, pathogens that can cause various inflammatory conditions. These products can also improve the natural skin barrier and in most cases more than one is needed to achieve an effective result.
Form and Color
Leontopodium Alpinum callus powder appears as a fine powder, white or slightly yellowish in color.
Leontopodium alpinum, known as Edelweiss, is an alpine plant that grows in high mountains with a distinctive flower. It is a rare plant and a protected species.
Phytochemical analysis found the presence of flavonoids and leontopodic acid and demonstrated potential DNA protective, antioxidant and antibacterial activity (1).
A recent study also demonstrated an anti-aging effect on the skin (2), and its extract (0.001%) is capable, used in a targeted manner directly at the site where it will be able to perform its efficacy, of inhibiting hair loss in female and male subjects by supporting hair follicle growth (3).
Protection Against Blue Light Damage. Research has shown that extracts from Leontopodium alpinum callus culture (LACCE) can be effective in protecting human skin cells from damage caused by blue light. This is particularly significant for skincare, as blue light from screens can contribute to skin aging and damage. The studies found that LACCE can promote collagen production, reduce harmful enzyme secretion, and decrease reactive oxygen species and calcium influx in skin cells. This suggests that LACCE could be a valuable ingredient in skincare products designed to protect against blue light (4).
Active Components and Mechanisms. Further investigation into the active components of LACCE identified several compounds, such as chlorogenic acid, isoquercitrin, and leontopodic acids, which contribute to its protective effects. These components were found to enhance skin cell viability and reduce damage markers when exposed to blue light. This research provides a deeper understanding of how LACCE works at a molecular level and supports its potential use in pharmaceutical and skincare products.
Cultivation and Biotechnological Production. Given that Leontopodium alpinum is a protected species in some European countries, there's interest in sustainable cultivation and biotechnological production methods. Studies have compared different cultivation techniques, including the use of gamma irradiation, to enhance the production of valuable compounds in the plant. This research is crucial for ensuring sustainable and ethical sourcing of Leontopodium alpinum for commercial use.
