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White wavy lines texture on a surfaceProfile: Lemon Verbena Hydrosol

Profile: Lemon Verbena Hydrosol

Commonly known as: Lippia Citriodora Leaf Water (I.N.C.I.), Lemon Verbena Floral Water, Aloysia triphylla, Fragrant Verbena, Lemongrass Verbena, Tears of Isis.
Botanical name: Lippia citriodora.
Extraction process: Distillation by steam stripping.
Family: Verbenaceae.
Part of the plant extracted: Flowering tops.
Location: Primarily cultivated in the tropical regions of South America (Argentina, Peru, Chile).
Flowering: End of summer (mid-July) to autumn (mid-October).
Provenance, origin: France.
Phytochemical composition: Terpenic alcohols (alpha-terpineol, linalool, geraniol, Neron); terpenic aldehydes (citral); terpenic oxides (1,8-cineole/eucalyptol)
Sensorial properties: Appearance: Clear liquid; Colour: Colourless to whitish; Odour: Powerful, fresh, lemony.
Physical characteristics: Density: 0.990 - 1.010 g/cm3; pH: 3.5 - 5.5; Soluble in water; Insoluble in oil.
Benefits: Tightening, anti-inflammatory, refreshing, softening, soothing, fragrant, antibacterial, antioxidant.
Concerns: All skin types, particularly those lacking radiance, irritated skin, acne-prone skin, mature skin, and sensitive skin; all hair types, especially those with irritated scalps.

Details

Properties

  • Antibacterial: Combat the growth of certain bacteria through the action of eucalyptol, linalool, and alpha-terpineol;

  • Anti-inflammatory: Inhibiting the activity of NLRP3, an inflammasome complex, through the action of geranial, beneficial for soothing irritations;

  • Antioxidant: Eliminating radicals by increasing the production of glutathione, an antioxidant tripeptide involved in maintaining the redox potential of the cytoplasm of cells, a characteristic that comes from its high citral content (around 50%);

  • Tensor: Enhancing the elasticity and hydration of the epidermis and reducing the appearance of wrinkles (when taken orally).

Usage

  • Facial Care (After-shave tonics, floral waters, face creams, serums, makeup removal foams, micellar lotions, cleansing lotions, eye contour creams, face masks);

  • Body Care (massage milks/gels, creams, deodorants, shower gels, balms, exfoliating gels, mists, after-sun gels, body milks, solid soaps);

  • Haircare (shampoos, detangling balms);

  • Hygiene (toothpastes).

Means of Preservation

Store at room temperature in a dry and cool place, protected from direct sunlight, heat and humidity.

Contraindications, usage precautions

The floral water of lemon verbena does not have any contraindications. It can be used by pregnant and/or breastfeeding women as well as children.

Find out more

According to legend, lemon verbena was regarded as a magical plant, used by druids to enhance their clairvoyance. It has also long been used to create love potions: the Romans associated this plant with Venus, the goddess of love. Conversely, the Gauls considered it a sacred herb and used it to "cast spells and predict the future", "break curses and bring joy", according to the texts of Pliny the Elder. Primarily consumed as a herbal tea, lemon verbena has digestive and soothing properties. Endowed with antioxidant properties, lemon verbena also forms part of the formulation of cosmetic products, often as a hydrosol, giving them a slight lemony scent.