Description

Nelumbo Nucifera Seed Extract is derived from the seeds of the Nelumbo nucifera plant, commonly known as the lotus. This extract is valued for its antioxidant, hydrating, and nourishing properties. It is used in skincare products to improve skin elasticity, provide hydration, and protect against environmental damage.

Chemical Composition and Structure

The extract contains:

Flavonoids: Provide antioxidant effects, helping to neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.
Phenolic Compounds: Offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Lipids: Include essential oils and beneficial fats that contribute to skin hydration and nourishment.
Proteins: Support skin repair and health.
Amino Acids: Help maintain hydration and promote skin regeneration.
Vitamins: Includes Vitamin C and Vitamin E, which enhance skin health and provide antioxidant protection.
Minerals: Contains essential minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium that support skin vitality.
The chemical structure of the extract includes flavonoids, phenolic compounds, lipids, proteins, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.

Physical Properties

Appearance: Clear to light yellow liquid.
Odor: Mild, natural fragrance characteristic of lotus seeds.
Solubility: Soluble in both water-based and oil-based formulations.
Melting Point: Not applicable; the extract remains stable at room temperature.
Boiling Point: Not applicable; the extract is stable under standard conditions.

Production Process

Harvesting: Seeds of Nelumbo nucifera are collected.
Extraction: Seeds are processed using an appropriate extraction method (e.g., solvent extraction or maceration) to obtain the extract.
Standardization: The extract is standardized to ensure consistent quality and efficacy.
Filtration: The extract is filtered to remove any particulate matter.
Packaging: The extract is packaged in airtight containers to preserve its potency and prevent contamination.

Applications

Cosmetic: Used in skincare products such as serums, moisturizers, and masks for its hydrating, antioxidant, and nourishing properties. Helps to improve skin elasticity, maintain hydration, and protect against environmental damage.
Pharmaceutical: May be included in some pharmaceutical formulations for its nutritional and protective benefits.
Food: Rarely used in food applications but may be included in dietary supplements for its potential health benefits.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

Biodegradability: The extract is biodegradable and environmentally friendly when managed properly.
Toxicity: Generally regarded as safe for topical use. However, as with all botanical extracts, it should be used according to established guidelines to avoid potential allergic reactions or skin irritations. Individuals with allergies or very sensitive skin should exercise caution. Ensure that the extract is sustainably sourced and free from contaminants.
Disposal: Should be disposed of according to local environmental regulations. Proper disposal methods should be followed to prevent environmental contamination.

INCI Functions:


Antimicrobial agent. This ingredient is able to suppress or inhibit the growth and replication of a broad spectrum of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and viruses by making the stratum corneum temporarily bactericidal and fungicidal.

Antioxidant agent. Ingredient that counteracts oxidative stress and prevents cell damage. Free radicals, pathological inflammatory processes, reactive nitrogen species and reactive oxygen species are responsible for the ageing process and many diseases caused by oxidation.

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.

Hair conditioning agent. A significant number of ingredients with specific and targeted purposes may co-exist in hair shampoo formulations: cleansers, conditioners, thickeners, matting agents, sequestering agents, fragrances, preservatives, special additives. However, the indispensable ingredients are the cleansers and conditioners as they are necessary and sufficient for hair cleansing and manageability. The others act as commercial and non-essential auxiliaries such as: appearance, fragrance, colouring, etc. Hair conditioning agents have the task of increasing shine, manageability and volume, and reducing static electricity, especially after treatments such as colouring, ironing, waving, drying and brushing. They are, in practice, dispersants that may contain cationic surfactants, thickeners, emollients, polymers. The typology of hair conditioning agents includes: intensive conditioners, instant conditioners, thickening conditioners, drying conditioners. They can perform their task generally accompanied by other different ingredients.

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: 85085-51-4 EC number 285-379-2