NATURAL EXTRACT

WATERCRESS EXTRACT: The secret to protected skin

MOISTURIZES ⎪ PROTECTS ⎪ SOOTHES

What is watercress extract?

Watercress extract is derived from the flowers, leaves, or stems of watercress (Tropaeolum majus), a plant native to South America and grown in many gardens for its beautiful colorful flowers. Used in cosmetics and phytotherapy, watercress extract is prized for its purifying, toning, and sebum-regulating properties. Rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C, it provides revitalizing benefits for the skin and hair. Its ability to rebalance the scalp makes it a valuable ingredient for hair care, especially in products for oily hair and anti-hair loss treatments.

Already used for millennia in Mexico and Peru as a disinfectant, healing agent, and expectorant, watercress is now used to treat skin, nail, and scalp conditions.

Watercress extract is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, which help protect the skin from damage. The anti-inflammatory properties of watercress extract make it an ideal ingredient for sensitive skin or skin prone to redness and irritation.

It can also help eliminate toxins from the skin, which improves the appearance of the skin and makes it more radiant.

Where does watercress extract come from?

Watercress is native to the mountainous regions of South America, primarily Peru, but it is now cultivated worldwide, especially in Europe. Watercress extract is obtained by macerating different parts of the plant, often in a gentle solvent to preserve its active ingredients. This method allows the extraction of active components while retaining the natural purity and benefits of the plant. In natural cosmetics, watercress extract is used for its purifying and fortifying properties, offering a balancing treatment for the skin and scalp.

Properties and active ingredients

Watercress extract has several beneficial properties for the skin, hair, and scalp. Here are its main characteristics and actions:

1. Purifying: Watercress extract has natural antibacterial properties, helping to deeply purify the skin and scalp.
2. Toning: It improves circulation in the scalp, thus stimulating hair roots and vitality.
3. Sebum-regulating: By balancing sebum production, it helps reduce excess oil, especially on oily scalps and skin.
4. Rich in vitamins and minerals: Its high content of vitamin C and other nutrients revitalizes the skin and hair, giving them radiance and health.
5. Natural antioxidant: Thanks to its richness in flavonoids, it protects the skin and hair from free radicals, limiting the effects of premature aging.

What are the benefits of watercress extract?

Watercress extract offers numerous benefits for the skin and hair, thanks to its purifying, balancing, and revitalizing properties. Here are the main advantages of this natural and versatile ingredient:

1. Scalp purification and freshness: By reducing excess sebum and fighting bacteria, it helps maintain a healthy scalp, ideal for oily hair.
2. Stimulates hair growth: By improving circulation in the scalp, it promotes healthy and vigorous hair growth.
3. Reduces dandruff: Its purifying properties help soothe dandruff-prone scalps by rebalancing and sanitizing the scalp.
4. Revitalizes dull hair: Its richness in vitamins and nutrients restores shine and vitality to tired and dull hair, giving it a silky and luminous appearance.
5. Antioxidant and protective effect: By protecting the skin and hair from external aggressions, it prevents damage caused by free radicals and signs of aging.

Its benefits:

• Protects skin from pollution and blue light
• Improves skin appearance

How to use watercress extract?

Watercress extract is mainly used topically in skincare products for its purifying, balancing, and strengthening properties. Here are the main ways to benefit from this ingredient:

• Shampoos and hair care: Integrated into shampoos and treatments for oily hair, it helps purify the scalp and reduce excess sebum, perfect for hair prone to oily roots.
• Anti-hair loss serums and lotions: Used in anti-hair loss treatments, it stimulates roots and promotes hair growth by providing necessary nutrients to follicles.
• Face masks: In purifying masks, it helps reduce skin impurities and balance sebum, ideal for oily or combination skin.
• Creams and treatments for dull skin: In facial care, it revitalizes and tones tired skin, providing a healthy glow.
• After-sun products: Thanks to its antioxidant properties, watercress extract can be used to soothe and protect the skin from the harmful effects of UV rays.

Note: Watercress extract is generally well tolerated by most skin types. However, a skin patch test is recommended before regular use, especially for sensitive skin. It is also compatible with color-treated hair as it does not degrade hair pigments.

Any side effects?

Watercress extract is generally well tolerated, but some side effects may occur, although rare:

1. Skin irritation: In cases of excessive use, it may cause slight irritation in some people with very sensitive skin. A patch test is recommended.
2. Photosensitivity: Although rare, direct sun exposure after use may cause slight sensitivity. It is best to use this ingredient in the evening or apply sunscreen.
3. Dryness for sensitive scalps: Its purifying properties can, in rare cases, dry out very sensitive scalps. It is advisable to combine it with a moisturizer.
4. Risk of allergy: Some individuals may experience a mild allergic reaction. In case of redness or discomfort, discontinue use and consult a professional.
5. Interference with certain chemical treatments: In rare cases, it may react with harsh chemical ingredients. It is advisable to use it in natural formulations.

Sources

The benefits of watercress extract are well-documented in cosmetic and phytotherapy research. This ingredient is recognized for its purifying, strengthening, and antioxidant properties, contributing to skin and hair health. Studies show its effectiveness in reducing excess sebum, stimulating hair growth, and revitalizing dull skin. Watercress extract is approved for cosmetic use, with a high tolerance profile when used correctly.