Description

Trifolium Pratense Flower/Leaf/Stem Water, also known as Red Clover Flower/Leaf/Stem Water, is derived from the aqueous distillation of the flowers, leaves, and stems of the red clover plant. This water is used in cosmetic and skincare products for its hydrating, soothing, and anti-inflammatory properties. It offers a natural, gentle way to benefit from the plant’s active compounds in a liquid form.

Chemical Composition and Structure:
Trifolium Pratense Flower/Leaf/Stem Water contains a range of bioactive compounds, although in lower concentrations compared to extracts:

Isoflavones: Including genistein and daidzein, which provide mild antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Flavonoids: Such as quercetin and kaempferol, contributing to soothing and protective properties.
Phenolic Acids: Like caffeic acid, which supports anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.
Essential Oils and Volatile Compounds: Which impart a subtle herbal aroma and contribute to the extract’s soothing properties.

The water retains a diluted form of these compounds, offering gentle yet effective benefits.

Physical Properties:
Trifolium Pratense Flower/Leaf/Stem Water is a clear to pale yellow liquid with a mild, herbal aroma. It is easily soluble in water and is typically used as a base or component in cosmetic formulations. Its consistency is light and fluid, allowing it to blend well with other ingredients.

Production Process:

Cultivation: Red clover flowers, leaves, and stems are cultivated and harvested at their peak.
Distillation: The plant materials are subjected to steam distillation to extract the water, which contains the dissolved bioactive compounds.
Purification: The distilled water is purified to remove any residual impurities and to ensure the quality of the final product.
Formulation: The purified water is incorporated into cosmetic and skincare products.

Applications:

Cosmetics: Used in formulations such as facial sprays, toners, and masks for its hydrating and soothing effects. It helps to refresh and calm the skin.
Skincare: Included in products aimed at sensitive or irritated skin to provide gentle hydration and relief from inflammation.
Hair Care: Utilized in treatments for the scalp and hair to provide a soothing effect and enhance moisture levels.

Environmental and Safety Considerations:

Environmental Impact: The production of Trifolium Pratense Flower/Leaf/Stem Water should follow sustainable practices, including responsible cultivation and efficient resource management to minimize environmental impact.
Safety: Generally considered safe for topical use. However, it is important to conduct safety assessments to ensure the water’s efficacy and to avoid any potential allergic reactions or adverse effects.

INCI Functions:


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 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: 85085-25-2 EC number 285-356-7