What are the dangers of cornflower hydrosol?

The cornflower, an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the Asteraceae family, originates from Europe. Its blue or purple flowers, from which it derives its name, appear in the spring. Often mistakenly considered a weed, the cornflower harbours numerous benefits for the skin and hair through the hydrosol that can be extracted from its dried flowers by steam distillation. Among its many possible uses, the cornflower hydrosol is commonly used for its soothing properties that help to relieve tired eyes. However, as with all cosmetic treatments, several questions arise regarding the potential dangers associated with its use.

Unlike essential oils, which are often criticised for the slight skin irritations they can cause, hydrosols are generally very well tolerated due to their water-rich composition. The cornflower hydrosol is no exception and proves to be particularly gentle and harmless for the skin. Indeed, no scientific study has shown any specific dangers or risks associated with the use of cornflower hydrosol. Furthermore, the scientific literature does not report any cases of intolerance following its application.

In general, cornflower hydrosol is well tolerated by all skin types, even the most sensitive ones.

The cornflower hydrosol does not require any specific usage precautions. For instance, it can be applied around the eye area or over the entire face, without any risk of irritation. Regarding the use of cornflower hydrosol in pregnant or breastfeeding women and young children, there are also no contraindications.

Nevertheless, as with any cosmetic product or ingredient, it is recommended to perform a skin test before the first use. To do this, simply apply a small amount of cornflower hydrosol to the crook of your elbow, behind the ear, or on the inner side of your wrist. Ensure to spread the product well and allow it to properly penetrate the skin. After 24 to 48 hours, you can observe if the product has caused a skin reaction at the site of application. If the cornflower hydrosol has caused tingling or redness, this indicates that it is not well tolerated by the skin and it is advisable to avoid using it. If no reaction is observed, this means that the skin tolerates it well.

Furthermore, in order to minimise potential risks as much as possible, one must be vigilant about the preservation of cornflower hydrosol. Essentially composed of water, hydrosols are indeed quite sensitive to bacterial contamination, which can cause adverse effects on the skin. To prevent the proliferation of pathogens, it is recommended to store the cornflower hydrosol in a completely airtight container and keep it away from moisture, heat and light. It should also be noted that it is advisable to use the cornflower hydrosol within six months of opening. However, if it shows a change in colour or smell earlier, it is better to stop using it and discard it.

Recommendation : Prior to each use, it is advised to always check the condition of the cornflower hydrosol by analysing its organoleptic characteristics, such as its smell, colour, appearance, and texture.

• ANGENOT L. & al. Anti-inflammatory and immunological effects of Centaurea cyanus flower-heads. Journal of Ethnopharmacology (1999).

• GRANATO D. & al. Chemical investigation, antioxidant, anti-hypertensive, and cytotoxic/cytoprotective actions of Centaurea cyanus L. petals aqueous extract. Food and Chemical Toxicology (2018).