Actinidia Chinensis Extract, also known as kiwi extract, is derived from the fruit of the Actinidia chinensis plant. This extract contains essential nutrients such as vitamin C, antioxidants, fatty acids, and polyphenols, which provide numerous benefits for the skin. Kiwi extract is especially valued for its antioxidant, regenerative, and moisturizing properties, helping to improve skin elasticity and protect against environmental damage.
Chemical Composition and Structure
Kiwi extract contains a combination of vitamins, particularly vitamin C, flavonoids, carotenoids, polyphenols, and minerals. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that stimulates collagen production, while polyphenols and carotenoids help protect the skin from free radicals and premature aging. These compounds work synergistically to enhance skin health, leaving it radiant and refreshed.
Physical Properties
Kiwi extract is a water-soluble liquid, light green or yellow in color, depending on the concentration and extraction method. It is used in a wide range of skincare products, including serums, lotions, moisturizers, and face masks. Due to its nutrient-rich profile, it is ideal for formulations aimed at hydrating, regenerating, and protecting the skin.
Production Process
Kiwi extract is produced through an aqueous or solvent-based extraction process from ripe Actinidia chinensis fruits. During extraction, bioactive compounds are isolated and concentrated, preserving essential nutrients to ensure a high-quality extract ready for use in cosmetic formulations.
Harvesting the Fruit: Actinidia chinensis fruits are harvested when ripe. It is essential to follow sustainable harvesting practices to ensure the quality of the plant material.
Cleaning: After harvesting, the fruits 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 fruits 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 fruits 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 fruits.
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 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
Antioxidant Products: With its high content of vitamin C and other antioxidants, kiwi extract is a key ingredient in products that protect the skin from free radicals and oxidative damage.
Regenerative Skincare: The extract promotes cell renewal and improves collagen production, making it an excellent ingredient for anti-aging and regenerative treatments.
Hydration and Protection: Kiwi extract’s moisturizing properties help keep the skin soft and well-hydrated, improving texture and reducing dryness.
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 - 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 extract is considered safe for use in cosmetics and skincare. It is well tolerated by most skin types and poses no significant risks of irritation. 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 individuals sensitive to kiwi fruit should perform a patch test before use, as they may be prone to irritation or allergic reactions.
Toxicity and Carcinogenicity
There is no evidence to suggest that kiwi extract is toxic or carcinogenic. It is considered safe and beneficial for the skin, thanks to its nourishing, antioxidant, and regenerative properties.
Environmental Considerations
Kiwi extract is derived from a renewable and sustainable source. The extraction process generally has a low environmental impact, and the use of kiwi fruit helps reduce waste in the production chain.
Regulatory Status
Kiwi extract is approved for use in cosmetic products 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
