Description

Echinacea purpurea flower/leaf/stem water is a hydrosol obtained from the distillation of the flowers, leaves, and stems of the Echinacea purpurea plant, belonging to the Asteraceae family. This water is valued for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and immune-supporting properties, making it a beneficial ingredient in various cosmetic and skincare products.

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND STRUCTURE

Chemically, Echinacea purpurea flower/leaf/stem water contains:

Phenolic Compounds: such as cichoric acid, providing antioxidant and immune-supporting benefits.
Polysaccharides: contributing to the hydrating and soothing properties of the water.
Alkamides and Flavonoids: which offer anti-inflammatory effects and enhance the overall efficacy of the product.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Appearance: a clear liquid, with a slight yellow or greenish tint, depending on the distillation process.
Odor: a delicate, herbal, and slightly floral scent characteristic of echinacea.
Solubility: fully soluble in water, making it suitable for use in water-based cosmetic formulations.
Density: similar to that of water, with minimal variations depending on the concentration of active compounds.

PRODUCTION PROCESS

Cultivation: Echinacea purpurea is cultivated under optimal conditions to produce flowers, leaves, and stems rich in active compounds.
Harvesting: the flowers, leaves, and stems are harvested at a specific stage in the growth cycle to ensure optimal concentration of active ingredients.
Distillation: the plant material is steam distilled to extract the hydrosol, which contains the water-soluble fractions of essential oils and other beneficial compounds.
Filtration and Purification: the flower/leaf/stem water is filtered to remove impurities and ensure a high-quality product.
Packaging and Storage: the hydrosol is packaged in airtight containers, often dark glass bottles, and stored in a cool, dry place to preserve its freshness and potency.

APPLICATIONS

Cosmetics: used in skincare products for its soothing, hydrating, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Skin Care: included in toners, mists, and lotions to hydrate, soothe, and tone the skin.
Hair Care: used in scalp sprays to soothe irritations and maintain natural balance.
Body Care: incorporated into body products to provide light hydration and calming benefits.
Aromatherapy: used in room sprays and facial mists for its refreshing and calming properties.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

Sustainability: Echinacea purpurea flower/leaf/stem water can be produced sustainably, especially when the plants are sourced from organic and responsibly managed farms.
Toxicity: the hydrosol is generally considered safe for use in cosmetic and skincare products when used appropriately.
Allergenicity: as with all plant-based ingredients, individual reactions of intolerance or allergy cannot be excluded, particularly in individuals sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae family.

INCI


Fragrance. It plays a very important role in the formulation of cosmetic products as it provides the possibility of enhancing, masking or adding fragrance to the final product, increasing its marketability. It is able to create a perceptible pleasant odour, masking a bad smell. The consumer always expects to find a pleasant or distinctive scent in a cosmetic product.

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: 90028-20-9 EC number 289-808-4