Everything you need to know about cornflower hydrosol.

The cornflower is an annual herbaceous plant that belongs to the botanical family of Asteraceae. It typically grows in Europe, in cereal fields, much like the poppy. Incorrectly deemed as an undesirable plant, the cornflower, now being destroyed by the intensive use of herbicides, is becoming increasingly rare.

The virtues of this flower have been known since antiquity. Therapeutically, in the 14th century, it was the Italian Pietro Andrea MATTHIOLI who was one of the first to promote cornflower hydrosol as a natural eye wash for treating eye conditions.

The hydrosol is extracted by distilling fresh cornflower blossoms, even though this plant does not produce any essential oil. This extraction technique is straightforward. The flowers are mixed with water in a still, and then the mixture is heated. The steam is cooled in a condenser and collected in liquid form; this is the hydrosol. It typically has a slightly acidic pH ranging between 4.5 and 6 and a rather mild scent of lemony hay. It contains a high concentration of soothing molecules such as alpha-terpineol, polyynes, and anthocyanosides.

The cosmetic properties of cornflower hydrosol, particularly on the eye, eyelids and periocular areas, have been known since time immemorial... It also has benefits for the skin of the face. Below are its main virtues:

• Antioxidant : Researchers have demonstrated that cornflower hydrosol has a greater antioxidant activity than vitamin C. Indeed, cornflower hydrosol significantly limits the production of oxygenated chemical species (free radicals). As a reminder, these unstable and highly reactive molecules are generated by various factors such as the sun, pollution, tobacco... They damage a wide range of the body's healthy molecules (DNA, RNA, proteins...), accelerating its ageing.

• Anti-inflammatory: Cornflower hydrosol significantly reduces the secretion of pro-inflammatory molecules, known as cytokines.

• Effect on the skin's barrier function: Cornflower hydrosol strengthens intercellular cohesion at the superficial layer of the skin, ensuring the maintenance of its hydration and thus preventing the appearance of dehydration fine lines.

• Brightening: Studies have shown that the application of cornflower hydrosol results in a significant reduction of cells containing a large amount of melanin, a skin pigment responsible for brown colouration. Therefore, it is particularly recommended for lightening the colour of pigmented dark circles.

There are no specific contraindications to the cosmetic use of cornflower hydrosol. Children, pregnant women and/or breastfeeding mothers can use it without risk. Cornflower hydrosol is also suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive ones.

Cornflower hydrosol is predominantly found in treatments designed for the eye contour. However, you can also find it in after-sun body products for its soothing properties, or in face creams or serums intended for dull complexions, due to its brightening virtues:

• Thecornflower hydrosol soothes the skin and decongests the eye contour. It is obtained by distilling cornflower blossoms from organic farming and contains 99% natural origin ingredients. Free from preservatives and made from dried flowers, the hydrosol is sensitive to light, oxidation, and heat. Therefore, take care to store it in an opaque bottle, in a dry place away from light and heat. The hydrosol has a shelf life ofapproximately 6 months after opening.

• The eye cream for dark circles and bags with 2% caffeine and cornflower hydrosol is concentrated with decongestant active ingredients. It helps to reduce the purple appearance of dark circles and the swollen look of bags under the eyes, for a brighter gaze.

• Thetinted concealer provides high coverage and a natural finish. It blurs under-eye circles and bags in one stroke. It is enriched with caffeine, niacinamide, and cornflower hydrosol to reduce the appearance of under-eye circles and bags over the long term.

• ANGENOT L. & al. Anti-inflammatory and immunological effects of Centaurea cyanus flower-heads. Journal of Ethnopharmacology (1999).

• GRANATO D. & al. Chemical study, antioxidant, anti-hypertensive, and cytotoxic/cytoprotective activities of Centaurea cyanus L. petals aqueous extract. Food and Chemical Toxicology (2018).