Description

Helichrysum italicum flower/leaf/stem oil is an essential oil extracted from various parts of the Helichrysum italicum plant, also known as Italian everlasting or immortelle. This essential oil is valued for its rich concentration of bioactive compounds and is used in cosmetics and personal care products for its regenerative, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. The oil is also appreciated for its distinctive aroma, which may vary depending on the part of the plant from which it is extracted.

Chemical Composition and Structure

Helichrysum italicum flower/leaf/stem oil contains a blend of key chemical compounds:

Flavonoids: Such as quercetin and luteolin, which provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. These compounds have aromatic rings and hydroxyl groups in their molecular structure.
Terpenes: Including alpha-pinene, beta-caryophyllene, and other terpenes, which contribute to the oil's aroma and offer anti-inflammatory and soothing effects. Terpenes possess cyclic structures.
Sesquiterpenes: Compounds like italicine and helichrysin, known for their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. These compounds have complex cyclic structures.
Esters and Aldehydes: Contributing to the oil's fragrance and potentially providing emollient and protective effects on the skin.

The molecular structures of these compounds include aromatic rings, hydrocarbon chains, and cyclic structures, which are essential for their biological activities.

Physical Properties

Helichrysum italicum flower/leaf/stem oil is a clear to light yellow or amber liquid with a characteristic aroma that may vary depending on the plant part. The oil is soluble in oils and organic solvents but not in water. It has a relatively low viscosity and density, which can vary depending on the purity and composition of the oil.

Production Process

The production process for Helichrysum italicum flower/leaf/stem oil involves the following steps:

Harvesting: The flowers, leaves, and stems of Helichrysum italicum are collected at their peak to ensure high concentrations of bioactive compounds.
Distillation: The plant parts are subjected to steam distillation. During this process, steam passes through the plant material, causing the essential oils and volatile compounds to evaporate. The steam is then condensed, and the resulting liquid is collected.
Separation: The condensed liquid is separated into essential oil and floral water. The essential oil is further purified to remove impurities and concentrate active compounds.
Formulation: The purified essential oil can be used directly or incorporated into cosmetic products such as serums, creams, and lotions.

Applications

Helichrysum italicum flower/leaf/stem oil is used in various applications:

Cosmetics: Included in skincare formulations for its regenerative, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, making it ideal for improving skin appearance and reducing signs of aging.
Aromatherapy: Used for its distinctive aroma and therapeutic properties, including calming and relaxing effects.
Personal Care Products: Incorporated into massage oils and treatments for its soothing and protective benefits.

Safety

This ingredient is generally regarded as safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products when used as directed. Individuals with plant allergies or sensitive skin should exercise caution.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

Helichrysum italicum flower/leaf/stem oil is considered safe when used appropriately. Sustainable harvesting practices should be employed to avoid overexploitation and protect natural habitats. The distillation process should minimize environmental impact, and the final product must undergo rigorous quality control to ensure safety and efficacy.

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.

Flavoring agent. The purpose of this ingredient is to modify the solution to impart a certain flavour. Natural flavouring extracts are rather expensive, so the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries resort to synthesised substances that have sensory characteristics mostly similar to natural flavourings or are naturally equivalent. This ingredient is isolated through chemical processes or is synthesised from chemicals. It is also referred to as Aroma.
Synonyms:

CAS: 90045-56-0 EC number 289-918-2