Melia Azadirachta Extract is derived from various parts of the neem tree (Melia azadirachta), including leaves, branches, and seeds. This extract is renowned for its potential therapeutic properties and is widely used in skincare and personal care products for its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects.

Chemical Composition and Structure:

Components: The extract contains a variety of bioactive compounds, including limonoids such as azadirachtin, nimbolide, and nimbin. These compounds are responsible for the extract's beneficial properties.
Structure: The primary compounds are terpenoids and polyphenols. Azadirachtin, a key component, has a complex structure with multiple rings and functional groups contributing to its biological activity.

Physical Properties:

Appearance: Usually a dark green or brown liquid or powder, depending on the extraction method and concentration.
Odor: Characteristically earthy or herbal, which may be strong depending on the concentration.
Solubility: Soluble in water and various organic solvents, depending on the extraction technique used.
pH: Generally has a slightly acidic or neutral pH, around 4.5-7.0, though this can vary.

Production Process:

Harvesting: The neem tree parts, including leaves, branches, and seeds, are harvested from mature trees.
Extraction: The harvested material is subjected to extraction using solvents such as water, ethanol, or methanol. The choice of solvent affects the composition of the extract.
Filtration and Concentration: The extract is filtered to remove solid particles and concentrated to achieve the desired potency.
Formulation: The concentrated extract is then incorporated into cosmetic formulations or processed into powders or other formats.

Applications:

Skin Care: Used in creams, lotions, and serums for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. It helps soothe irritated skin and improve skin health.
Hair Care: Included in shampoos and conditioners to promote scalp health and combat dandruff due to its antimicrobial properties.
Oral Care: Sometimes used in oral care products like mouthwashes for its antibacterial benefits.

Environmental and Safety Considerations:

Environmental Impact: The neem tree is sustainable and adaptable to various conditions, making it an environmentally friendly source. Responsible harvesting practices are essential to ensure the sustainability of neem resources.
Safety: This ingredient is generally regarded as safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products when used as directed. Individuals allergic to plants or with very sensitive skin should be cautious.

INCI:


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.

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.

Film-forming agent. It produces, upon application, a very thin continuous film with an optimal balance of cohesion, adhesion and stickiness on skin, hair or nails to counteract or limit damage from external phenomena such as chemicals, UV rays and pollution.
Synonyms:

CAS: 90063-92-6 EC number 290-052-2