The "Cinnamomum Camphora Linalooliferum Wood Oil" is the I.N.C.I. name that corresponds to the Hô wood essential oil. Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, it soothes irritated skin as well as scalps prone to itching. It imparts a light, relaxing woody fragrance to skin and hair care products.
What is "Cinnamomum Camphora Linalooliferum Wood Oil" and what is its utility?
Summary
Published on February 3, 2024, by Maylis, Chemical Engineer — 4 min of reading
The Ho Wood, a tree source of confusions.
Camphor tree, camphor laurel, Shiu wood, Chinese bay... these are all names attributed to a single tree from the laurel family, the Cinnamomum camphora. Through distillation of the wood, camphor, Ho wood, and ravintsara are extracted, depending on the chemotype of the tree. Thus, ravintsara grows in Madagascar and primarily contains 1,8-cineole, the camphor tree is widespread in Vietnam and presents a camphor chemotype, while Ho wood originates from China and predominantly contains linalool.
Note : The biochemical composition of Hô wood is very similar to that of rosewood : both are excellent soothing agents. As rosewood is threatened with extinction, it is increasingly being replaced by Hô wood in skin and hair care.
What are the virtues of Ho Wood essential oil?
This compound is obtained through complete distillation via steam entrainment, followed by rectification through successive distillation of the tree's leaves and branches. It offers several benefits for the skin and hair:
Being anti-microbial, it restricts the development of blemishes on the skin surface.
Researchers have highlighted thebactericidal activity of linalool, the major component of Ho Wood essential oil (present at over 95%). Linalool thus inhibits the growth of microorganisms involved in acne such as Staphylococcus aureus. Furthermore, it is astringent and tightens the pores, thereby refining the skin texture.
With its soothing properties, it combats redness and potential itching.
Linalool is recognised for its anti-inflammatory action. When applied to the hair, this essential oil alleviates scalp irritations and the itching they cause. It is therefore included in our shampoo nutrition
with the biolipid complex and camellia oil. This treatment repairs and nourishes the hair fibre in depth, smooths and fills the hair scales. This essential oil is also found in the detangling cream for hair Complex of amino acids 1% + argan oil as well as in the hair repair mask Biomimetic ceramides 0.3% + avocado oil.
Furthermore, Ho Wood essential oil is renowned for its woody and floral fragrance easily recognisable that imparts a pleasant scent to cosmetic formulas.
The contraindications of Ho Wood essential oil.
Highly concentrated in linalool, Ho Wood essential oil has a strong potential for causing allergies. Like many essential oils, Ho Wood essential oil should not be used by pregnant women less than 3 months into their pregnancy, nor by infants under 3 years old. Inhalation is not recommended, and its application to the skin should be diluted to 20% in a carrier oil.
Note : Containing a very low concentration of Ho Wood essential oil, ournourishing shampoo does not have any contraindications and can be used by pregnant and/or breastfeeding women.
Sources:
PEANA A. & al. Anti-inflammatory activity of linalool and linalyl acetate constituents of essential oils. Phytomedicine (2002).
HAMIDPOUR R. & al. Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora), a traditional remedy with the history of treating several diseases. International Journal of Case Reports and Images (2013).
