Commonly known as: Cornflower hydrosol, Cornflower water, Cornflower water extract, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water (INCI), Blue knapweed, Bachelor's button, Bluebottle water, Hurtsickle water.
Botanical name: Centaurea cyanus L.
Extraction process: Steam distillation of organic dried flowering tops.
Family: Asteraceae.
Extracted part of the plant: Flowers.
Cultivation area, origin: Native to Northern Europe. Also found in North America.
Blooming: Annual, from May to September.
Origin, provenance: Mainland France.
Phytochemical composition: Anthocyanins, protocyanins, flavonoids (flavone, quercetin, rutin), polysaccharides (galacturonic acid, arabinose, glucose, rhamnose, galactose), couramines, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, phenoxycarboxylic acid, indole alkaloids.
Sensory properties: Appearance: Clear liquid; Colour: Colourless; Scent: Herbaceous, slightly lemony.
Physical properties: Density: 0.950-1.050g/ cm3; pH: 3.0-5.0; Soluble in water.
Concerns: Soothes, refreshes, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, decongestant.
Effect: All skin typologies, especially dry, sensitive and reactive skin. Recommended for tired eyes, and swollen and irritated eyelids.
Face care (lotions, masks, serums, creams, make-up removers, eye contour care);
Body care (body milks, shower gels, after-sun care);
Make-up (foundations, concealers, mascaras, blushes, eyeshadows, face powders).
Store at a temperature below 4°C, away from light, heat and humidity.
Cornflower hydrosol has no particular contraindications.