Description

Mentha Pulegium Extract, also known as Pennyroyal extract, is derived from the plant Mentha pulegium of the Lamiaceae family. This extract is valued for its distinctive minty aroma and potential therapeutic properties. It is commonly used in cosmetics and skincare products for its aromatic and bioactive qualities.

Chemical Composition and Structure:

Pulegone: The primary compound in the extract, responsible for its strong minty scent and potential stimulant and antimicrobial effects.
Menthone: Another significant compound contributing to the extract's aromatic profile.
Other Terpenes and Compounds: Includes various other terpenes and bioactive compounds that may influence the extract's properties and effectiveness.
Physical Properties:

Appearance: The extract is typically a clear or slightly yellow liquid, depending on the concentration and extraction method.
Odor: Characteristic of mint, with a strong, fresh, and sometimes slightly spicy aroma.
Solubility: Soluble in oils and lipid-based formulations; less soluble in aqueous solutions.
pH: The pH is not typically measured for plant extracts, but it can influence the pH of the final formulation depending on concentration and other ingredients.

Production Process:

Harvesting: Mentha pulegium plants are harvested when they are in full bloom to ensure maximum potency of active compounds.
Extraction: The plant material is processed to extract bioactive compounds, typically through steam distillation or solvent extraction.
Filtration: The extract is filtered to remove solid particles and impurities.
Standardization: The extract may be standardized to ensure consistent levels of key compounds such as pulegone.
Formulation: The extract is incorporated into various cosmetic and therapeutic formulations.

Applications:

Cosmetics and Skincare: Used in cosmetic products for its aromatic properties and potential skin benefits. It can be added to creams, lotions, and serums.
Aromatherapy: Employed in essential oil blends and diffusers for its characteristic aroma and potential therapeutic effects.
Traditional Medicine: Sometimes used in herbal remedies for its potential digestive and respiratory benefits.

Environmental and Safety Considerations:

Environmental Impact: Sustainable practices should be followed in the production of the extract to minimize environmental impact and ensure resource management.
Safety: The extract is generally considered safe when used appropriately, but high concentrations of pulegone can be irritating or toxic. Individual reactions such as intolerance or allergy cannot be excluded. The final product should be tested for skin compatibility and used in recommended concentrations.
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.

Refreshing. This ingredient is included in cosmetic products to provide a refreshing or toning sensation to the skin and can also help relieve irritation or redness.

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: 90064-00-9 EC number 290-061-1