Description

Artemisia absinthium/Chamaecyparis obtusa wood extract is an extract obtained from the whole plant of Artemisia absinthium (wormwood) and the wood of Chamaecyparis obtusa (Hinoki cypress). This extract is valued for its combined antioxidant, antimicrobial, and soothing properties, making it useful in various cosmetic, skincare, and medicinal applications.

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND STRUCTURE

Chemically, this extract combines the bioactive compounds of both Artemisia absinthium and Chamaecyparis obtusa, resulting in a rich mixture that includes:

Flavonoids and Terpenes: from Artemisia absinthium, contributing to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Thujone and Thujyl Compounds: from Artemisia absinthium, providing antimicrobial and insect-repellent properties.
Hinokitiol and Other Terpenoids: from Chamaecyparis obtusa, known for their potent antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory effects.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Appearance: typically a yellow to brownish liquid, depending on the extraction method and concentration.
Odor: aromatic, with a blend of herbal, woody, and slightly medicinal scents.
Solubility: soluble in alcohol and some organic solvents; solubility in water may vary based on the extraction method.
Density: varies depending on the concentration and formulation of the extract.

PRODUCTION PROCESS

Harvesting: the whole plant of Artemisia absinthium and the wood of Chamaecyparis obtusa are collected.
Drying: both plant materials are dried to preserve their active compounds and prepare them for extraction.
Extraction: the active compounds are extracted using methods such as solvent extraction or infusion, which combine the properties of both plants.
Filtration and Purification: the extract is filtered to remove impurities and concentrate the active ingredients.
Packaging and Storage: the final extract is packaged and stored in a cool, dry place to maintain its properties.

APPLICATIONS

Cosmetics: used in skincare products for its combined antimicrobial, soothing, and antioxidant properties.
Skin Care: included in lotions, creams, and toners designed to purify, tone, and calm the skin.
Hair Care: used in shampoos and scalp treatments to balance oil production and soothe irritated scalp.
Aromatherapy: incorporated into products for its relaxing and therapeutic fragrance.
Medicine: applied in herbal preparations for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

Sustainability: the production of Artemisia absinthium/Chamaecyparis obtusa wood extract is generally sustainable, particularly when sourced from responsibly managed forests and farms.
Toxicity: care should be taken due to the presence of thujone, which is toxic in high concentrations; the extract should be used according to recommended guidelines.
Allergenicity: as with all plant-based extracts, individual reactions of intolerance or allergy cannot be excluded.
INCI


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.

Skin conditioning agent - Emollient. Emollients have the characteristic of enhancing the skin barrier through a source of exogenous lipids that adhere to the skin, improving barrier properties by filling gaps in intercorneocyte clusters to improve hydration while protecting against inflammation. In practice, they have the ability to create a barrier that prevents transepidermal water loss. Emollients are described as degreasing or refreshing additives that improve the lipid content of the upper layers of the skin by preventing degreasing and drying of the skin. The problem with emollients is that many have a strong lipophilic character and are identified as occlusive ingredients; they are oily and fatty materials that remain on the skin surface and reduce transepidermal water loss. In cosmetics, emollients and moisturisers are often considered synonymous with humectants and occlusives.

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.
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