Description

Tilia cordata, Malvaceae family, commonly known as little-leaf lime or small-leaved lime, is a species of linden tree native to Europe and parts of Asia. The tree is valued for its fragrant flowers and leaves, which are used in various herbal and cosmetic applications.

Chemical Composition and Structure

Tilia cordata contains several beneficial compounds, including:

Flavonoids: such as quercetin and kaempferol, which provide antioxidant properties and support skin health.
Essential Oils: including linalool and geraniol, which offer soothing and anti-inflammatory effects.
Polysaccharides: that contribute to the moisturizing and soothing properties of the extract.
Tannins: which have astringent properties and can help tighten and tone the skin.

Physical Properties

Tilia cordata is characterized by:

Appearance: the flowers are small, yellowish-white, and often gathered in clusters, while the leaves are heart-shaped and serrated.
Aroma: the flowers have a sweet, floral fragrance that is often used in aromatherapy.
Texture: the extract may vary in consistency from a liquid to a powder, depending on the method of preparation.

Production Process

The production process for Tilia cordata extracts includes:

Harvesting and Preparation: Flowers and leaves of the Tilia cordata tree are harvested during their peak period and cleaned.
Extraction: The plant material is processed using methods such as steam distillation for essential oils or solvent extraction for other types of extracts.
Filtration and Refinement: The extracted material is filtered to remove any impurities and refined to obtain the desired purity and consistency.
Formulation: The extract is incorporated into cosmetic products such as creams, lotions, and serums.
Quality Control: The final product is tested to ensure it meets safety and efficacy standards.

Applications

Medical: Tilia cordata is used in herbal medicine for its calming and anti-inflammatory effects. It is often included in teas and supplements for its potential health benefits.
Cosmetic: Used in skincare products for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Commonly found in products like moisturizers, face masks, and toners.
Other: Occasionally used in aromatherapy and as a natural fragrance in various personal care products.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

Tilia cordata is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics when applied according to guidelines. The production process is managed to minimize environmental impact and adhere to sustainable practices. Quality control ensures that extracts are free from contaminants and safe for consumer use.

INCI


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.
Synonyms:

CAS: 84929-52-2 EC number 284-536-2