Description

Sambucus nigra flower, also known as elderflower, is derived from the flowers of the Sambucus nigra plant, commonly referred to as the elderberry or elder tree. This part of the plant is utilized for its fragrant and beneficial properties in a range of cosmetic and personal care products. Elderflowers are known for their soothing, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects.

Chemical Composition and Structure

Sambucus nigra flower contains a variety of bioactive compounds:

Flavonoids: Such as quercetin and kaempferol, which contribute to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Tannins: Polyphenolic compounds that provide astringent effects, helping to tighten and tone the skin.
Essential Oils: Including linalool and geraniol, which impart a pleasant fragrance and have calming effects.
Saponins: Natural compounds with potential soothing and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Organic Acids: Such as citric and malic acids, which can offer mild exfoliating properties.

Physical Properties

Sambucus nigra flower generally has the following physical properties:

Color: Ranges from pale yellow to cream, depending on the form and concentration of the extract or product.
Odor: Characterized by a distinct, floral, and slightly sweet aroma.
Solubility: Soluble in water and often used in aqueous formulations; also compatible with alcohol and oil-based formulations.

Production Process

The production process for Sambucus nigra flower typically involves:

Harvesting: Collecting elderflowers during their peak bloom period to ensure the highest concentration of active compounds.
Drying: The flowers are dried to preserve their beneficial properties and prevent spoilage.
Extraction: The dried flowers are subjected to extraction using solvents such as water, alcohol, or glycerin to produce an extract.
Filtration and Concentration: The extract is filtered to remove insoluble particles and may be concentrated to enhance the potency of the active ingredients.
Standardization: The extract may be standardized to ensure consistency in the concentration of bioactive compounds.

Applications

Sambucus nigra flower is used in a variety of cosmetic and personal care products:

Skin Care Products: Such as creams, lotions, and serums for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
Hair Care Products: Found in shampoos and conditioners to promote scalp health and enhance hair softness.
Body Care Products: Used in body washes, masks, and scrubs to provide a gentle, calming effect on the skin.

Safety

Sambucus nigra flower is generally regarded as safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products when used as directed. It is important to follow recommended usage levels and application guidelines. Individuals with allergies to plants in the Adoxaceae family should exercise caution.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

The production of Sambucus nigra flower should adhere to sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. Proper management of harvesting, drying, and extraction processes is crucial to minimize environmental impact. Quality control measures are essential to ensure the extract's safety, effectiveness, and purity.

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.
Synonyms:

CAS: 84603-58-7 EC number 283-259-4