ALFALFA

Alfalfa: A Natural Ally for Skin Firmness

ANTIOXIDANT ⎪ PRO-COLLAGEN

What is Alfalfa?

Alfalfa is a plant renowned for its richness in molecules of interest, notably flavonoids, saponins, and polysaccharides. In cosmetics, these compounds are studied for their ability to protect the skin from external aggressions and to support its natural renewal mechanisms.
In the Baume Pro-Collagène Unifiant (Unifying Pro-Collagen Balm), Alfalfa is used in the form of Vitanol® Bio, a patented organic alfalfa extract standardized in galactomannans. This active ingredient was developed to target the mechanisms involved in maintaining skin firmness by stimulating collagen synthesis and offering a plant-based alternative to retinol that is better tolerated by sensitive skin.

Where does Alfalfa come from?

Native to Western Asia, alfalfa is now cultivated in many regions of the world. Its aerial parts are harvested and then processed to obtain concentrated extracts rich in compounds of interest for the skin. Vitanol® Bio is derived from organic alfalfa through an extraction process that concentrates galactomannans, which are polysaccharides naturally present in the plant. This standardization guarantees reproducible activity and consistent quality of the active ingredient.

Properties and Active Principles of Alfalfa

Alfalfa naturally contains several families of bioactive compounds:

• Flavonoids with antioxidant properties,
• Plant saponins,
• Vitamins and minerals,
• Polysaccharides, including galactomannans depending on the extraction process.

In Vitanol® Bio, these galactomannans have demonstrated their ability to:

• Stimulate the synthesis of type I collagen,
• Support fibroblast activity,
• Limit the expression of metalloproteinases (MMP-1), which are involved in collagen degradation,
• Help maintain skin firmness and elasticity.

What are the benefits of Alfalfa?

Thanks to its richness in protective compounds, alfalfa extract helps the skin better cope with environmental aggressions responsible for skin aging.
Its main benefits include:

• Helping protect the skin from oxidative stress,
• Assisting in maintaining suppler and more resilient skin,
• Supporting natural skin renewal mechanisms,
• Helping preserve skin radiance and quality.

In the Baume Pro-Collagène Unifiant, the use of Vitanol® Bio reinforces these benefits. Studies have shown that it stimulates type I collagen production by fibroblasts and helps preserve the skin's support fibers by limiting their degradation. This dual action contributes to gradually improving firmness and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

Alfalfa at the heart of MiYé formulas

[MY] UNIFYING PRO-COLLAGEN BALM
In the Baume Pro-Collagène Unifiant, Alfalfa is featured in the form of Vitanol® Bio. Combined with biomimetic peptides, ceramides, and postbiotics, it plays a key role in a global approach to skin aging: supporting collagen production, preserving skin structure, and strengthening the barrier function for firmer, suppler, and long-lasting comfortable skin.

How to use Alfalfa?

Alfalfa is used exclusively for topical application within cosmetic formulas. Its value lies in its ability to complement the action of other active ingredients by supporting the skin's natural mechanisms involved in firmness and protection. In its patented Vitanol® Bio form, it acts on fibroblasts—the cells responsible for collagen production—while helping preserve the extracellular matrix. Combined with biomimetic peptides, ceramides, and antioxidants, it contributes to a comprehensive approach to skin aging that is suitable for daily use, even on sensitive skin.

Any side effects?

Alfalfa is generally well tolerated when applied to the skin. Safety studies conducted on Vitanol® Bio show that it is non-irritating, non-sensitizing, and non-phototoxic under normal conditions of use. However, as with any plant-derived ingredient, individual sensitivity is always possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Alfalfa an alternative to retinol?
Alfalfa does not act exactly like retinol. However, in its patented Vitanol® Bio form, it has demonstrated its ability to stimulate collagen synthesis and improve skin firmness, while being better tolerated by sensitive skin. This is why it is frequently presented as a plant-based alternative to retinol.

Why is Vitanol® Bio different from a standard alfalfa extract?
Vitanol® Bio is a patented extract obtained through a specific process that concentrates galactomannans, which are polysaccharides naturally present in alfalfa. This standardization guarantees a consistent concentration of active compounds and a biological activity proven by both in vitro and clinical studies.

Is Alfalfa suitable for sensitive skin?
Yes. Available data show that Vitanol® Bio is well tolerated, non-irritating, and non-phototoxic under normal conditions of use. This makes it an attractive alternative for individuals wishing to target signs of aging without using retinol.

How long does it take to see its effects?
The benefits of Alfalfa, and more specifically of Vitanol® Bio, build up gradually with regular use. Studies conducted on this active ingredient show an improvement in firmness and a visible reduction in wrinkles after several weeks of daily application.

Sources:

(Laissées en anglais d'origine)

• Bora KS, Sharma A. Phytochemical and pharmacological potential of Medicago sativa: A review. Pharmaceutical Biology. 2011;49(2):211-220.
• Basch E, Ulbricht C, Harrison M, Sollars D, Smith M, Dennehy C, Szapary P. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.): a clinical decision support tool. Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy. 2003;3(2):69-90.
• Raeeszadeh M, Beheshtipour J, Jamali R, Akbari A. The Antioxidant Properties of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and Its Biochemical, Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Pathological Effects on Nicotine-Induced Oxidative Stress in the Rat Liver. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity. 2022;2022:2691577.