Description

Spiraea ulmaria, commonly known as meadowsweet or dropwort, is a plant belonging to the Rosaceae family. This plant is well-known for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and astringent properties, and is used in various cosmetic and herbal medicinal products.

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND STRUCTURE

Chemically, Spiraea ulmaria contains:

Salicylic Acid: a precursor to acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin), known for its powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
Flavonoids: such as quercetin and kaempferol, which provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Tannins: with astringent effects, useful for toning the skin and reducing oil secretion.
Essential Oils: which give the plant its characteristic aroma and contribute to its calming and anti-inflammatory effects.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Appearance: the plant features white or yellowish flowers clustered in inflorescences and pinnate compound leaves, with a sweet and characteristic aroma.
Odor: sweet and fragrant, with almond-like notes due to the presence of phenolic compounds.
Solubility: the active ingredients extracted from the plant are soluble in water and alcohol, suitable for various extraction methods.
Density: varies depending on the form of the product (liquid extract, powder, etc.).

PRODUCTION PROCESS

Cultivation: Spiraea ulmaria thrives in moist, nutrient-rich environments, typically along streams and in wet meadows.
Harvesting: the plant is harvested during its flowering stage, when the concentration of active ingredients is at its peak.
Drying and Processing: the harvested parts, such as flowers and leaves, are dried and then processed into various forms, including extracts, tinctures, and powders.
Extraction: active ingredients are extracted through infusion, decoction, or solvent extraction.
Packaging and Storage: the final product is packaged in airtight containers and stored in a cool, dry place to maintain its potency and stability.

APPLICATIONS

Herbal Medicine: used for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and diuretic properties.
Skin Care: included in creams and lotions to treat irritations, inflammations, and as a toner for oily skin.
Wellness: used in teas and supplements to relieve joint and rheumatic pains, thanks to its aspirin-like properties.
Hair Care: used in rinses and lotions to tone the scalp and improve hair shine.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

Sustainability: Spiraea ulmaria can be sustainably harvested, especially when sourced from organic and responsibly managed farms.
Toxicity: the plant is generally safe for external and internal use when used correctly, but it may cause reactions in people sensitive to salicylates.
Allergenicity: as with all plant extracts, individual reactions of intolerance or allergy cannot be excluded, especially in individuals sensitive to salicylates.

INCI


Cosmetic astringent. This ingredient exerts a direct effect on the skin by tightening dilated pores by contracting stratum corneum cells and removing superfluous oil.

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.

Surfactant - Foam booster. It has the effect of introducing gas bubbles into the water and affects the cleaning process by helping to spread the cleanser. Since sebum has an inhibiting effect on the bubble, more foam is produced in the second shampoo.
Synonyms:

CAS: 84775-57-5 EC number 283-886-3