Actinidia Chinensis Stem Extract, obtained from the stems of the Actinidia chinensis plant (kiwi), contains antioxidants, polyphenols, and bioactive compounds that provide regenerative, protective, and moisturizing benefits to the skin. While the kiwi plant is best known for its nutrient-dense fruit, the stem contains powerful compounds that can be used in skincare, offering protection against oxidative damage and stimulating cell renewal.
Chemical Composition and Structure
Kiwi stem extract contains flavonoids, polyphenols, carotenoids, and vitamins (such as vitamin C), known for their antioxidant and protective properties. These compounds help shield the skin from oxidative damage and enhance cell regeneration. The polyphenols and carotenoids present in the stem also act as anti-inflammatory agents, improving overall skin health.
Physical Properties
Kiwi stem extract is water-soluble and appears as a clear to light yellow liquid. It has a light texture and is used in skincare products, including serums, lotions, and moisturizers. Thanks to its regenerative and hydrating action, it is particularly valued for its soothing and protective effects on the skin.
Production Process
The extract is obtained through an aqueous or solvent-based extraction process from the stems of Actinidia chinensis. This method preserves the bioactive compounds found in the stems, ensuring a concentrated extract that delivers beneficial nutrients to the skin.
Harvesting the Stems: Stems of Actinidia chinensis are harvested from mature plants. It is essential to follow sustainable harvesting practices to ensure the quality of the plant material.
Cleaning: After harvesting, the stems are cleaned to remove dirt, residues, and impurities. This step is crucial to ensure that the final extract is of high quality.
Drying: The cleaned stems may undergo a drying process to remove moisture. This helps preserve the active properties and facilitates subsequent extraction.
Extraction: The extraction of active principles occurs using appropriate solvents, such as water, ethanol, or methanol. The dried stems are immersed in the solvent, and the mixture is agitated or heated to promote the release of bioactive compounds.
Filtration: Once the extraction process is complete, the obtained solution is filtered to remove undissolved solids, resulting in a liquid extract containing the active principles of the stems.
Concentration: The extract may be further concentrated by evaporating the solvent to obtain a product richer in nutrients and with greater stability.
Quality Control and Packaging: Finally, Actinidia chinensis stem extract undergoes quality control checks to verify its purity, efficacy, and compliance with standards. After analysis, it is packaged for distribution and use in dietary supplements and cosmetic products.
Applications
Regenerative Skincare: With its antioxidant and bioactive compound content, kiwi stem extract promotes cell renewal and skin regeneration, improving elasticity and texture.
Antioxidant Protection: The extract's antioxidant properties help protect the skin from free radical damage and pollution, reducing oxidative stress.
Moisturizing Products: It is often used in moisturizing formulations to provide light hydration and soothe skin irritation.
INCI Functions:
Skin conditioning agent - Miscellaneous. This ingredient has the task of modifying and improving the condition of the skin when it is damaged or dry, reducing flaking and restoring its elasticity.
CAS: 92456-63-8 296-241-6
Health and Safety Considerations
Safety in Use
Kiwi stem extract is considered safe for use in cosmetic products. It is well tolerated by the skin and poses no significant risks of irritation or sensitization. Major regulatory authorities, such as the European Union and the FDA, approve its use in cosmetic formulations.
Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions to this extract are rare, but as with any botanical ingredient, a patch test is recommended before use, especially on sensitive skin.
Toxicity and Carcinogenicity
It is considered safe and beneficial for the skin, thanks to its antioxidant and regenerative properties.
Environmental Considerations
Kiwi stem extract is derived from a renewable resource, and the extraction process has a minimal environmental impact. Using the stem of the kiwi plant also helps reduce waste from fruit cultivation and processing.
Regulatory Status
Kiwi stem extract is approved for use in cosmetics by major regulatory authorities, such as the European Union and the FDA in the United States.
Studies
Kiwis contain on average:
- Vitamin C Ascorbic acid in the following measures (Cultivar Actinidia chinenssis Plach, Gaivard): mg/g 5,44 in the juice, 1,14 in the skin, 4,20 in the pulp (1).
- Vitamin E
- Potassium
It has good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties due to the presence of ascorbic acid.
Flavonoids, vitamin C and carotenoids have a preventive effect against cardiovascular diseases (2).
Kiwi has proven effective in relieving chronic constipation (3) with these benefits:
- decreased in days of laxative used
- satisfaction of bowel habit
- improvement in transit time
- improvement in rectal sensation
