What is "Spinacia Oleracea Leaf Extract" and what is its utility?

Spinach powder is obtained through the mechanical grinding of its leaves. It exhibits several beneficial properties for the skin and even the hair.

Firstly, it has ahigh antioxidant activity. Indeed, spinach leaves are rich in antioxidant flavonoids, particularly spinacetin and patuletin. These compounds neutralise free radicals, highly unstable and reactive molecules generated by various factors (sun, pollution, cigarette smoke, stress etc...). Free radicals attack skin cells and accelerate their ageing. The flavonoids present in spinach powder donate an electron to them, making them more stable and less reactive. Thus, spinach powder delays skin ageing and protects the skin from external aggressions. This antioxidant activity is also beneficial for hair; indeed, hair fibres become damaged and dry when they are attacked by free radicals.

Next, spinach extract is recognised for its lightening action. The provitamin A found in the leaves helps to revive dull complexions and fight against the appearance of pigmentation spots.

Finally, spinach extract contains Vitamin K, a molecule known for its anti-inflammatory action: it promotes cellular renewal and therefore the healing of the epidermis. It helps to combat post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation which often appears after an acne outbreak. Furthermore, a study has demonstrated the ability of a spinach leaf extract to limit the phenomenon of degranulation by mast cells, a characteristic of an inflammatory type allergic response.

The fine spinach powder often referred to as a "super ingredient" due to its green colour, is typically incorporated into antioxidant creams designed for mature skin and radiance serums for dull and tired skin . Some hair masks and balms are also enriched with spinach extract to protect the hair from external aggressions and free radicals that can cause long-term damage to the hair fibres.