The common sage is different from its cousin, the clary sage. It primarily thrives in the Mediterranean scrubland and on the Adriatic coast. Its hydrosol is renowned for its beneficial effects on menopause, excessive sweating, and the excess sebum that characterises oily skin. Find in this article the key information to know about this cosmetic ingredient.
Everything you need to know about sage hydrosol.
Summary
Published on October 4, 2024, by Maylis, Chemical Engineer — 4 min of reading
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The common sage and its hydrosol in a nutshell.
Also known as sacred sage or European tea, sage officinalis is a sub-shrub that belongs to the Lamiaceaefamily. Elevated to the status of a "sacred plant" by the Ancients of all continents, it is among the plants whose cultivation was recommended in the royal domains of Charlemagne. It quickly became a traditional remedy for a number of pathologies such as gangrene.
Its hydrosol is obtained by distillation after the desiccation of the leaves. This mobile liquid, colourless to pale yellow, emits a strong, herbaceous and aromatic scent. Sage hydrosol is an alternative to sage essential oil, which is considered neurotoxic due to its high thujone content. It should be noted that this essential oil is listed among those whose sale is restricted to pharmacists (Public Health Code).
The cosmetic benefits of sage hydrolat.
Firstly, sage hydrosol is an excellent antioxidant treatment. It combats free radicals that cause oxidative stress. To clarify, this phenomenon is natural but exacerbated by various factors such as UV rays, pollution, stress, smoking... It degrades both the skin and hair. Indeed, it leads to the deterioration of hair fibres, the appearance of grey hair and even hair loss. Regarding the skin, oxidative stress accelerates its sagging and the appearance of wrinkles and potentially pigmentation spots. Sage hydrosol, by fighting against this mechanism, helps to restore the radiance to the complexion, brighten the skin and also the hair. It is recognised for its regenerative properties and helps to tone devitalised skin and hair fibres. It is particularly recommended for dull complexions as well as mature skin and also damaged, lacklustre hair.
Next, this hydrosol has purifying and balancing properties, making it an excellent choice for combination to oily skin types. Indeed, it helps to control sebum secretions and purifies the skin. It is also recommended for maintaining oily-prone hair.
Finally, it has an effect on the sweat glands and regulates their activity. It thus acts as a natural deodorant and effectively combats excessive perspiration.
The contraindications of sage hydrosol.
Due to the presence of ketones, Sage Hydrosol is contraindicated if you have a history of cancerous, hormone-dependent or mastosis pathologies. It is contraindicated for pregnant and/or breastfeeding women as well as for young children under the age of 6.
To mitigate the risk of allergies, consider conducting a test in the crook of your elbow. If no adverse reaction occurs within the following 24 hours, you can apply the skincare product in question to your face. Otherwise, it is better to avoid any skin application.
In which skincare products can one find the hydrosol of common sage?
The hydrosol of sage officinalis can be used in its pure form. However, it is also a component in certain cosmetic products, listed under the I.N.C.I. designation "Salvia Officinalis Leaf Water". Therefore, it can be found in treatments for oily and combination skin, hair lotions to strengthen and beautify the hair, deodorants for excessive perspiration, and regenerating creams and serums.
Typology has developed the unifying cleansing gel which combines sage hydrosol with niacinamide to remove impurities present on the skin's surface. These two active ingredients help to tighten pores and refine skin texture.
Source:
FAUCON M. Traité d'aromathérapie scientifique et médicale - les hydrolats (Tome 2). Paru le 13 novembre 2018.
