Description

Helichrysum angustifolium wax is a waxy substance derived from the Helichrysum angustifolium plant, commonly known as narrow-leaved everlasting or immortelle. This plant is native to the Mediterranean region, and its wax is utilized primarily in cosmetic and skincare products for its emollient and stabilizing properties. The wax is valued for its ability to improve product texture and its potential benefits for skin health.

Chemical Composition and Structure

Helichrysum angustifolium wax consists of several key chemical components:

Wax Esters: Including esters of long-chain fatty acids and alcohols, which give the wax its solidifying and stabilizing properties. Esters are compounds formed from an acid and an alcohol.
Hydrocarbons: Such as aliphatic hydrocarbons, which contribute to the occlusive properties of the wax. Hydrocarbons can have linear or branched carbon chains.
Fatty Alcohols: Like cetyl alcohol, which helps to provide texture and stability to the wax. Fatty alcohols have long carbon chains with hydroxyl groups.
Fatty Acids: Including acids like palmitic acid and stearic acid, which are involved in the formation of the wax. Fatty acids have long carbon chains with carboxyl groups.

The chemical structures of these components include long carbon chains and functional groups essential for the wax’s physical properties.

Physical Properties

Helichrysum angustifolium wax typically appears as a solid, waxy substance, ranging in color from white to slightly yellow. It has a dense, creamy consistency and melts at relatively high temperatures. The wax is insoluble in water but soluble in oils and organic solvents.

Production Process

The production of Helichrysum angustifolium wax involves:

Harvesting: Parts of the Helichrysum angustifolium plant, such as flowers and leaves, are collected, typically during peak blooming to ensure high quality.
Extraction: The wax is extracted from the plant material using methods like hot extraction or solvent extraction. The wax is separated from the plant extract through filtration and subsequent solidification.
Purification: The extracted wax may be further purified to remove impurities and enhance its quality.
Formulation: The purified wax is then incorporated into cosmetic formulations, where it adds stability and improves product texture.

Applications

Helichrysum angustifolium wax is used in various cosmetic and skincare applications:

Cosmetics: It is used as an ingredient to enhance the texture and stability of products such as creams, lotions, and balms. The wax helps achieve a more uniform texture and extends the shelf life of the product.
Skincare: Incorporated into skincare products for its emollient and occlusive properties, which help retain moisture and improve the skin’s appearance.
Personal Care Products: Added to products like lip balms and deodorants for its ability to solidify and stabilize formulations.

Safety

Helichrysum angustifolium wax is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products when used as directed. However, as with any ingredient, it is advisable to check for skin compatibility and adhere to recommended usage guidelines.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

Helichrysum angustifolium wax should be sourced using sustainable practices to minimize environmental impact and ensure the conservation of plant resources. Extraction and purification methods should be conducted responsibly to reduce waste and environmental footprint. The final product must undergo quality control to ensure safety and efficacy.

INCI


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 conditioning agent - Emollient. Emollients have the characteristic of enhancing the skin barrier through a source of exogenous lipids that adhere to the skin, improving barrier properties by filling gaps in intercorneocyte clusters to improve hydration while protecting against inflammation. In practice, they have the ability to create a barrier that prevents transepidermal water loss. Emollients are described as degreasing or refreshing additives that improve the lipid content of the upper layers of the skin by preventing degreasing and drying of the skin. The problem with emollients is that many have a strong lipophilic character and are identified as occlusive ingredients; they are oily and fatty materials that remain on the skin surface and reduce transepidermal water loss. In cosmetics, emollients and moisturisers are often considered synonymous with humectants and occlusives.

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