Description

Portulaca oleracea flower, leaf, and stem extract is derived from the various parts of the purslane plant. This ingredient is primarily used in cosmetic products for its moisturizing, soothing, and antioxidant properties.

Chemical Composition and Structure:

Phytocomplexes: Contains high concentrations of active principles including essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6), vitamins (A, C, E), and natural antioxidants.
Structure: Appears as a liquid extract, typically greenish or amber in color, depending on the extraction method and concentration.

Physical Properties:

Appearance: Clear or slightly opalescent liquid, depending on the formulation.
Odor: Neutral or slightly vegetal.
pH: Typically neutral or slightly acidic, in line with the natural pH of the skin.
Solubility: Fully soluble in water, facilitating incorporation into aqueous formulations.

Production Process:

Harvesting: Parts of the Portulaca oleracea plant (flowers, leaves, and stems) are collected.
Extraction: Water or a solvent is used to extract from the plant parts using methods that preserve the active properties.
Filtration: The extract is filtered to remove impurities and achieve a clear product.
Formulation: The Portulaca oleracea extract is incorporated into cosmetic products such as serums and lotions.
Packaging: Packaged under sterile conditions to preserve product quality and efficacy.

Applications:

Medical: Not commonly used in medical applications.
Cosmetics: Used in skincare products for its moisturizing, soothing, and antioxidant properties, enhancing skin elasticity and appearance.
Food: Not used in food products.

Environmental and Safety Considerations:

Generally regarded as safe for topical use. It is important to ensure that the production process is sustainable and that the extract is free from contaminants.

INCI Functions:


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. 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: 90083-07-1 EC number 290-201-1