Extract Cosme-phytamis Centella asiatica 10 g

Centella asiatica or Cica: the magic extract in cosmetics

The cosmetic properties of the Centella plant cannot be described in a few lines, but I would like to tell you about the advantages of the cosmetic form of Centella asiatica extract. In the Beurre shop you can buy a water-soluble form of concentrated Centella extract, free of preservatives and titrated for asiaticosides. Special technology of production of the extract complies with the principles of environmental responsibility and as a result the finished product has Ecocert/Cosmos certification.

Component characteristics and specifics of use

INCI: Glycerin, Centella asiatica flower/leaf/stem extract

Origin: Centella asiatica (L.) Urb.Syn. Hydrocotyle asiatica L., where Aerial part from India, South Africa, Madagascar region is used to produce the extract. The glycerin on which the extract is based is of plant origin from Rape (Brassica napus L.). Not tested on animals since 2004. Non-GMO and contains no nanoparticles <100 nm in size.

Dosage: 1 - 5%.

Use: soluble in water

Storage: in a dark, dry place in tightly closed packaging at a temperature of 15-25 C. Avoid temperatures below 0 C and below 0 C and above. Avoid temperatures below 0 C and above 38 C.  

Botanical origin and traditional use  

Centella asiatica, or Indian pennywort, grows in the subtropical regions of Asia and is also found on the islands of the Indian Ocean (Madagascar, Mauritius and Reunion), in south-east Africa, the Far East, Indonesia and Australia.

Centella is an herbaceous perennial plant with a whitish, slender, knotty, slightly ribbed creeping stem. A cluster of lobe-like roots and one to five leaves with long petioles grow on each node. The flowers are very small, with five white to pinkish petals and are gathered in umbrellas of three to four flowers.

Traditionally, Centella has been used in Asia for over 3,000 years to accelerate the healing of skin lesions and wounds. The plant is mentioned in Ayurveda, where Centella is also called gotu kola. In the Vedas (sacred ancient Hindu texts) it was recommended as a healing dressing for skin diseases as well as syphilis, rheumatism, epilepsy, asthma and other ailments. Centella has long been used to fight leprosy and has proven to be a very effective treatment. However, for use in cosmetology centella attracted the attention of researchers only in the middle of the XIX century.

Rich composition of Centella asiatica

The above-ground parts of Centella contain:

• Carbohydrates, represented by: 4.5% oses (rhamnose, arabinose, fructose) and osides such as 2% oligosaccharides (sucrose, raffinose, and centellose), and 9% polysaccharides (pectins and mucilages)
• proteins (15 to 20%) and amino acids (lysine, alanine, phenylalanine, serine, asparagic and glutamic acids)
• traces of lipids (palmitic, oleic, linoleic, stearic, lignoceric and elaidic acids)
• approximately 10% minerals: calcium, phosphorus, iron, etc. д.
• Phenolic compounds: phenolic acids, flavonoids (flavonols derived from quercetin (isoquercetin) and kaempferol (astragalin)), tannins terpenoids, including: 2 to 8% saponins (genines and their glycoside esters); sterols (beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol, campesterol); carotenoids: carotenes (provitamin A)
• traces of alkaloids: hydrocotylin
• vitamins: vitamin B and 0.01% of vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
• traces of essential oil (0.01%), etc.

Alban Muller extract production method

The production of a quality cosmetic component begins at the stage of raw material procurement. Alban Muller strictly monitors the selection of plant material, following the following principles:

• selection of a specific plant variety containing the maximum number of active molecules;
• obtaining raw materials from partners belonging to local expert farmers who can guarantee the declared quality and full traceability of raw materials. It must be grown in accordance with the GACP Guidelines; raw material suppliers must also monitor the active molecule content before harvesting; 

• This is followed by a special technology of drying and extraction of raw materials with glycerine, which allows to control the content of active molecules in the resulting extract.
   
  You can see all stages of production in the following picture

Skin Benefits of Centella Plant Extract

Centella has traditionally been used to treat dermatologic conditions, to accelerate the healing of minor wounds, scratches, and superficial burns, and as an anti-inflammatory for eczema, minor itching, and insect bites. 

The active constituents of Centella are pentacyclic triterpenoids, which have regulatory and activating functions by acting on collagen. In the skin, the main components are type I and type II collagens. Skin aging is mainly due to a decrease in type I collagen, which also plays an important role in wound healing. Studies have shown that the major components of Centella asiatica (asiatic acid, madecassic acid, and asiaticoside) increase collagen synthesis. In addition to stimulating collagen synthesis, it also improves the skin's tensile strength (action on stretch marks).

Centella extracts stimulate collagen biosynthesis by dermal fibroblasts. They also stimulate collagenases, enzymes that break down collagen, thus promoting its renewal after wounds. Centella is added to products to accelerate the healing of complex wounds: atonic wounds, burns, eczema, psoriasis and various other skin conditions. Centella also prevents the development of hypertrophic scars, keloids and scleroderma.

Studies have shown the beneficial effects of Centella in reducing stretch marks and cellulite. It is also recommended as a venous protector for venolymphatic insufficiency, which causes various symptoms such as angiopathy, phlebitis, varicose veins, edema, varicose ulcers, heavy legs, hemorrhoids, swelling, etc. Centella acts by increasing the strength and elasticity of the vein walls and shrinking the capillaries.

Other Cosmetic Properties of the Extract

Centella has excellent regenerating, restructuring and firming properties and is recommended in products for the care of damaged mature skin. The extract of this miracle plant is often used in anti-aging cosmetics as a stimulant to reduce the depth of wrinkles. After using such a cream, the turgor of the skin improves - it becomes firmer, tighter and more even. Centella asiatica thanks to asiaticoside and vitamin C promotes collagen production, increases skin elasticity and smoothes fine lines on the face. In addition, as antioxidants, these substances neutralize the effects of free radicals on cells. 

Centella extract also has the ability to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria, making it a great helper in the fight against acne on the skin. That's why entire facial care lines for oily and problematic skin are being launched with Centella.

At the same time, triterpene compounds have a positive effect on microcirculation, so centella is used not only in facial cosmetics, but also for the body - in anti-cellulite cosmetics. It is also recommended in products to reduce stretch marks due to its ability to stimulate collagen production and prevent scarring. Centella is often found in products for skin with couperose because of its ability to strengthen capillary walls.

Centella is valued as a hair growth stimulant that restores thin, damaged, and brittle hair. Centella is also often used in formulations for hair loss products. As a cleansing agent, the extract can be used in shampoos for oily hair prone to dandruff, shower gels and cleansers.

Indications for adding Centella extract to your formulation may include

• Problem skin: acne, dermatitis, psoriasis, itchy skin
• Age-related skin changes and photo-aging
• Pronounced vascular patterns on the skin and couperosis
• Localized fat deposits (cellulite in various stages)
• weakened and damaged hair, hair loss
• Pastosity and swelling
• Constant feeling of heaviness in the legs
• Striae, scars, post-acne scars
• Preparation and recovery after plastic surgery, liposuction, dermabrasion.

 
Buy extract for natural cosmetics

Centella extract is such a multifunctional component that will save you money on buying a long list of other extracts. The advantage of concentrated glycerin centella extract is its water-soluble form, which you can easily incorporate into any type of cosmetics:

• Water-based tonics and serums (at any stage of production)
• Creams and emulsions (added to the active phase)
• foaming cleansers (added to the aqueous phase, unless heating above 40°C is foreseen).