Lemon Verbena Hydrosol: What are its benefits for hair?

The application of lemon verbena floral water can help to reduce scalp irritations and feelings of discomfort. Indeed, it contains several molecules with anti-inflammatory properties. Lemon verbena hydrosol is particularly rich in geranial. A study has shown that this molecule inhibits the activity of NLRP3, a inflammasome complex that triggers an inflammatory signalling pathway. It notably increases the synthesis of interleukin-1 (IL-1) and interleukin-4 (IL-4), which are pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Furthermore, linalool is found in the composition of lemon verbena floral water, a terpenic alcohol that promotes the synthesis of HSP70 proteins (Heat Shock Protein). These proteins ensure the correct conformation of proteins found in the body's cells and help them to protect themselves from external stresses (heat, heavy metals...), potentially causing inflammatory phenomena. Thus, the application of a lemon verbena hydrosol on the scalp can alleviate itching, which also limits its flaking.

Lemon verbena hydrosol is sometimes attributed with anti-parasitic properties, similar to those of true lavender essential oil, due to the linalool it contains. Indeed, this molecule inhibits acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme found in these parasites that leads to the degradation of their acetylcholine neurotransmitter. This mechanism is the basis of the neurotoxicity presumed of lemon verbena hydrosol for lice. However, it should be noted that linalool only represents 1% of the composition of lemon verbena floral water, compared to about 35% of that of lavender essential oil. Moreover, no study has directly demonstrated the anti-parasitic properties of lemon verbena hydrosol. Therefore, caution should be exercised on this matter.

According to some sources, lemon verbena floral water is said to have matifying and "purifying" properties, and could help to reduce the overproduction of sebum by the sebaceous glands, which is the cause of greasy hair. Indeed, it seems that the linalool present in its composition has a sebum-absorbing effect.

However, no scientific study focusing on lemon verbena hydrosol itself has so far been able to demonstrate this property. Therefore, we cannot assert that the application of this extract has a genuine "purifying" action. Furthermore, the concentration of linalool in lemon verbena floral water is very low and may be insufficient to induce such an effect.

The application of lemon verbena hydrosol to the hair fibre could potentially slow down the greying of hair. This assumption is due to the presence of citral in its composition, accounting for almost 50%. Citral is a recognised antioxidant, capable of combating free radicals, reactive species that can weaken the hair bulb, and promote hair loss and split ends. Its application to the hair thus helps to protect the hair from certain aggressions such as exposure to UV radiation or pollution.

Furthermore, antioxidants slow down the onset of grey hair, which a study has shown to be correlated with the presence of free radicals. Indeed, although the mechanism by which these operate at the level of hair fibres remains poorly understood, it appears that free radicals may trigger a chain of reactions leading to the degradation of melanin, the pigment that gives hair its colour.

Note : While the action of antioxidants in slowing down the appearance of white hair has been scientifically demonstrated, no study has been conducted on lemon verbena hydrosol itself. Therefore, we can only assume that this ingredient possesses this property, due to the antioxidants it contains.

If lemon verbena hydrosol is so widely used in perfumery, it's because of its pleasant and tangy scent, which instantly evokes the freshness of summer. Used as a spray or lotion on the hair, it provides a pleasant olfactory experience to your hair care routine. Moreover, its light and non-greasy texture leaves no residue on the hair and subtly scents it for the rest of the day. Thus, in addition to its various virtues mentioned above, lemon verbena floral water can be appreciated for its sensoriality.