What is "Coffea Arabica Seed Extract" and what is its utility?

The coffee plant, botanically known as Coffea arabica, is a perennial shrub with evergreen foliage belonging to the Rubiaceae family. This plant produces red fruits that resemble cherries. Each of these fruits contains two seeds, which are the Arabica coffee beans. Originally from Ethiopia, the coffee plant thrives and is particularly cultivated in the tropical regions of the planet such as East Africa and Central (Costa Rica, Honduras) and South America (Brazil). In the wild, the coffee plant can reach a height of 10 metres. It is primarily cultivated for its seeds, which are used to make the famous beverage, coffee. Nearly 150 million 60 kg bags of coffee are produced worldwide each year. Today, the largest global producer is Brazil.

The green coffee oil macerate is therefore known by the I.N.C.I. name:"Coffea Arabica Seed Extract". It is derived from a long maceration of previously dried arabica seeds followed by agitation in a vegetable oil. The resulting compound is a yellow-green liquid rich in carbohydrates, lipids (sterols, hydrocarbons, tocopherols, diterpenic alcohols) and phenolic acids (quinic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid).

The green coffee oil macerate possesses properties draining, toning and slimming. It promotes the hydrolysis of triglycerides accumulated in adipocytes (fat cells) and their release. Its mode of action is based on the i nhibition of the activity of phosphodiesterase, an enzyme responsible for the destruction of cAMP, a chemical mediator involved in the breakdown of triglycerides. It is thus recommended for reducing the appearance of cellulite and restoring tone to sagging skin.

Furthermore, the caffeine found in the oil macerate is an excellentvascular tonic that aids in draining the eye contour by stimulating microcirculation. By narrowing the diameter of small blood vessels, the purplish pigmentation of dark circles due to the colour of blood capillaries fades sustainably. Caffeine also proves to be very effective on bags under the eyes, as it helps toreduce water retentionunder the eyes and therefore visibly reduce swelling.

Finally, caffeine possesses potent antioxidant properties. It aids in protecting cells against free radicals generated by UV radiation and slows down the process of photoaging of the skin.

Note : In a cosmetic formula, green coffee oil macerate can also be added as a masking agent, that is, to conceal the smell of another ingredient.