Pistacia lentiscus plant extract

Commonly known as:   Pistacia Lentiscus (Mastic) Gum (I.N.C.I.), Chios Mastic Gum, Mastic Resin Tear, Chios Gum, Lentisk Pistachio Gum.

Botanical name:   Pistacia lentiscus.

Extraction process:   The process involves making an incision in the plant bark and macerating it in an extraction solvent (ethanol + glycerine) at room temperature. This is followed by a filtration stage, the addition of a liposomal pre-mixture (lecithin/glycerine/water) to the aqueous phase, and high-pressure homogenisation.

Family:   Anacardiaceae.

Extracted part of the plant:   Bark.

Cultivation area, origin:   Originating from Southern Europe, and more specifically from the island of Chios in Greece. It is widely spread around the Mediterranean basin: North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt), Mediterranean Europe (Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Croatia, Albania), Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Israel.

Blooming:   From May to July.

Origin, provenance:   Greece.

Phytochemical composition:   Oleanolic acid, phytosterols (stigmasterol, campesterol, beta-sitosterol), tocopherols, polyphenols, anthocyanins.

Sensory properties:   Appearance: Cloudy liquid; Colour: Yellow; Odour: Characteristic.

Physical properties:   Optimal pH: 4.0 - 8.0; Density: 1.140 - 1.180 g/cm3; Recommended dosage: Between 2 to 5% in cosmetic formulas; Soluble in water.

Concerns:   Antibacterial, revitalising, regenerating, anti-inflammatory, film-forming, antioxidant, fragrant, astringent, mattifying.

Effect:   All skin types, particularly combination to oily skin.