Science
Mechanism of Action
Leontopodium Alpinum Extract functions as a potent antioxidant, safeguarding skin from free radical damage and oxidative stress induced by environmental aggressors like UV radiation and pollution. Its high Radical Protection Factor (RPF) of 286, twice that of Vitamin C, is attributed to compounds such as leontopodic acid and chlorogenic acid. The extract also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, reducing redness and irritation by suppressing inflammatory markers like COX-2 and iNOS. Anti-aging benefits are achieved through stimulating skin regeneration, preserving collagen and elastin, increasing collagen production, and reducing MMP-2 activity, thereby improving elasticity, dermal density, and skin thickness. It reinforces the skin's natural barrier and provides hydration via moisturizing glucosides, contributing to softer, more elastic skin. Furthermore, it protects against blue light-induced damage by boosting collagen and reducing reactive oxygen species. In hair care, it promotes hair matrix keratinocyte proliferation and dermal papilla inductivity, preventing premature hair loss and enhancing hair density.
Research
Clinical Evidence
High confidence1%
Key findings
- 01 Demonstrated a 2.85% increase in DPPH radical-scavenging activity and enhanced cell viability to 45.54% in response to hydrogen peroxide-induced stress.
- 02 Achieved a 20.47% increase in DPPH radical-scavenging activity (outperforming 14.05% of Vitamin C) and further enhanced cell viability to 60.37% against oxidative stress. In clinical application, constant use significantly improved anti-periorbital wrinkles, skin elasticity, dermal density, and skin thickness compared to a placebo.
- 03 Significantly stimulated hair matrix keratinocyte proliferation and dermal papilla inductivity, leading to a notable increase in growing hair shaft numbers and overall hair density.
- 04 Showed considerable tightening of sagging neck skin by -10.6% up to -56% within three weeks, and smoothed crow's feet wrinkles by -11% up to -75% after six weeks.
Transparency
Dusting Analysis
While 0.1% demonstrates initial in vitro antioxidant and cell protective benefits, the more comprehensive and significant anti-aging effects, including in vivo improvements in wrinkles, elasticity, and dermal density, are prominently observed at 1%. For skin benefits, concentrations below 0.1% are likely to be sub-efficacious, and below 0.05% would be considered dusting for meaningful results. However, hair care applications show efficacy at very low dry extract concentrations (e.g., 0.06%).
The Formula
Formulation
Stability
For optimal shelf life, refrigeration upon arrival and after opening is recommended. Store below 77°F (25°C) and do not freeze. Protection from light exposure is also crucial. The extract is typically dissolved in water and glycerin.
Safety
Safety Profile
Leontopodium Alpinum Extract generally possesses a high safety profile, with SkinSAFE rating it 'Irritant Free' and the Environmental Working Group (EWG) assigning a strong safety rating of 1. Adverse reactions are rare. However, individuals with sensitivities to plants or flowers should perform a patch test prior to use.
Your Skin
Skin Compatibility
Our Assessment
Verdict
Leontopodium Alpinum Extract is a highly valuable ingredient for comprehensive skincare, offering robust antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and significant anti-aging benefits supported by strong clinical data, and is also effective in hair care.
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