Description

Althaea officinalis callus culture extract is derived from the callus cultures of the Althaea officinalis plant, commonly known as marshmallow, belonging to the Malvaceae family. This extract is known for its potent soothing, moisturizing, and regenerating properties, making it valuable in various cosmetic and skincare applications, particularly for sensitive or damaged skin.

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND STRUCTURE

Chemically, Althaea officinalis callus culture extract contains:

Polysaccharides: which provide moisturizing and protective effects on the skin.
Flavonoids: known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to protect and soothe the skin.
Growth Factors and Phytochemicals: derived from the callus culture, contributing to skin regeneration and repair.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Appearance: a light yellow to amber liquid, depending on the concentration and extraction method.
Odor: mild, with a slightly herbal scent characteristic of marshmallow extracts.
Solubility: soluble in water and alcohol, suitable for incorporation into various cosmetic formulations.
Density: varies depending on the concentration of the extract.

PRODUCTION PROCESS

Callus Induction: callus tissue is initiated from Althaea officinalis explants using plant tissue culture techniques.
Culture and Growth: the callus tissue is cultured under controlled conditions to promote the accumulation of bioactive compounds.
Extraction: active ingredients are extracted from the callus culture using methods such as solvent extraction or enzymatic extraction.
Filtration and Purification: the extract is filtered to remove impurities and concentrated for use in formulations.
Packaging and Storage: the final extract is packaged in airtight containers and stored in a cool, dry place to maintain its quality.

APPLICATIONS

Cosmetics: used in skincare products for its soothing, regenerating, and moisturizing properties.
Skin Care: included in creams, serums, and masks to help calm and repair sensitive or damaged skin.
Anti-Aging: used in products aimed at reducing the appearance of fine lines and promoting skin regeneration.
Body Care: incorporated into lotions and balms for its emollient and restorative benefits.
Specialized Treatments: used in formulations designed for skin recovery and repair, particularly after exposure to harsh conditions.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

Sustainability: the use of plant cell cultures, like callus cultures, is considered sustainable, as it does not require the harvesting of large quantities of plant material.
Toxicity: Althaea officinalis callus culture extract is generally considered safe for use in cosmetic products when used appropriately.
Allergenicity: as with all plant-based ingredients and chemicals, individual reactions of intolerance or allergy cannot be excluded.

INCI


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.
Synonyms:

CAS: 73049-65-7 EC number 277-254-6