Description

Ribes Nigrum Seed Extract is derived from the seeds of the blackcurrant plant (Ribes nigrum). This extract is valued in cosmetics for its high content of essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and other bioactive compounds, which contribute to its moisturizing and skin-nourishing properties.

Chemical Composition and Structure:

Ribes Nigrum Seed Extract contains a range of bioactive compounds, including essential fatty acids (such as gamma-linolenic acid), flavonoids, and tocopherols. Gamma-linolenic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid, is known for its anti-inflammatory and skin-conditioning properties. The chemical structure of these compounds includes long-chain fatty acids and phenolic groups, which contribute to their biological activity.

Physical Properties:

The extract typically appears as a dark brown or amber liquid with a mild, nutty aroma. It has a viscous consistency and is soluble in oils and fats, but insoluble in water. The extract generally has a neutral to slightly acidic pH.

Production Process:

The production of Ribes Nigrum Seed Extract involves the following steps:

Harvesting: Blackcurrant seeds are collected from ripe fruits.
Extraction: The seeds are processed using methods such as cold pressing or solvent extraction to obtain the soluble components.
Filtration: The extract is filtered to remove solids and impurities.
Standardization: The extract may be standardized to ensure consistent potency and quality.

Applications:

Ribes Nigrum Seed Extract is used in cosmetic formulations for its moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant benefits. It can be found in:

Facial serums
Moisturizers
Anti-aging creams
Body lotions
It is also used in hair care products for its conditioning properties and to help improve scalp health.

Environmental and Safety Considerations:

The environmental impact of producing Ribes Nigrum Seed Extract is relatively low, especially with sustainable harvesting practices. The extract is generally considered safe for topical use and has a low risk of irritation or sensitization. As with any cosmetic ingredient, proper formulation and safety testing are important, particularly for products intended for sensitive skin.

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.

Humectant. Hygroscopic compound used to minimise water loss in the skin and to prevent it from drying out by facilitating faster and greater absorption of water into the stratum corneum of the epidermis. The epidermis is the most superficial of the three layers that make up human skin (epidermis, dermis and hypodermis) and is the layer that maintains hydration in all three layers. In turn, the epidermis is composed of five layers: horny, the most superficial, granular, spinous, shiny, and basal. Humectants have the ability to retain the water they attract from the air in the stratum corneum and have the function of moisturising the skin. They are best used before emollients, which are oil-based.
Synonyms:

CAS: 68606-81-5 EC number 271-749-0