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Writer's pictureCamilla Vaiani

Say it with Flowers: Flower Benefits in Cosmetics




May is the month that embodies the awakening of nature after the cold winter months. The days grow longer, the sun shines more brightly, and the trees fill with green leaves. But what truly makes May special is the blooming of flowers. This colorful and fragrant spectacle is a hymn to life and rebirth that permeates every corner of the natural world.

The blooming of flowers in May is more than just an aesthetic phenomenon, as it also brings a range of beneficial properties for human health and well-being. Flowers are not only beautiful to look at, but many also have therapeutic properties that have been used for centuries in traditional and holistic medicine.

But why do I mention this? In light of the imminent release of our cosmetic products, the Lebubè Team and I decided to illustrate some of the floral ingredients used in our cosmetics, which you can enjoy both for their aromas and their flower benefits. So, what are the properties of flowers used in cosmetics, especially those used in Lebubè products?





Quick Summary

On the occasion of the launch of Lebubè products, I present a series of flowers used as ingredients to emphasize the importance of floral properties in cosmetics: Limnanthes Alba, Mimosa Decurrens, Portulaca Pilosa, and Camellia Japonica contribute to improving our health and well-being, offering a wide range of moisturizing, antioxidant, and regenerating properties for skin and hair. Let's explore the properties of flowers in cosmetics together!


The Beauty of "Foam" Beyond Meadows: Limnanthes Alba


Limnanthes Alba, also known as white meadowfoam of the Willamette Valley or "meadow foam" due to its characteristic foamy effect on fields during blooming, originates from the central and southern Willamette Valley (Oregon) but is also found in California and Mexico. This wild plant has evergreen leaves and annual or biennial blooming. The white flowers bloom from April to early June and can occasionally be seen along roadsides as abundant bushes. Meadowfoam grows lush in warm environments, often with little water, where the sun is strong and shaded areas are infrequent (Xera Plants Inc.).

Rich in vitamin E, Limnanthes Alba has strong antioxidant and reparative properties, and the oil extracted from it helps restore moisture balance and is an excellent emollient as it is non-greasy and leaves the skin soft and hydrated (Cure-naturali.it). It is highly beneficial for both skin and hair, creating a protective film that captures moisture and smooths the skin, keeping it silky and elastic.

This is due to the fact that meadowfoam seed oil contains more than 98% long-chain fatty acids, giving it one of the highest stability among all vegetable oils and long-lasting effectiveness (Healthline, 2020).

A 2018 study showed that UV exposure leads to numerous dermatological problems, including skin cancer and accelerated aging (find here our article on sunscreen!). However, it has been demonstrated that natural glucosinolate derivatives of meadowfoam exhibit chemopreventive and photoprotective properties, protecting us from the consequences of UV exposure.

These same characteristics also contribute to strengthening, protecting, and hydrating hair, preventing brittleness, tangles, frizz, and dullness. It is ideal for dyed hair as it is oxidation-resistant and may minimize discoloration compared to other oils (Healthline, 2020).


Hand reflected in the mirror with white meadowfoam (Limnanthes Alba) flowers

"Mimosa" Beyond Women's Day: Acacia Decurrens

Acacia Decurrens, also known as Mimosa Decurrens or Green Acacia, is a tree that can grow up to 12 meters tall (Jstor). Native to southern Africa but widespread in Australia, Tasmania, and Wales, it has green bipinnate leaves and flowers that range from golden yellow to light green. It grows in open forests or woodlands, on slopes or ravines, and has various beneficial properties (Flora of Australia, 2024).

The wax derived from Mimosa possesses protective and film-forming properties and has a pleasant, sweet fragrance well known to perfumers. It is often included in formulas with sunflower and jojoba waxes as all three are rich in vitamin E and act as natural texture agents, functioning as emollients that soften the skin and as active skin-repairing ingredients. It stands out for its pronounced protective and moisturizing properties (Inci Decoder).

Mimosa or Green Acacia, a tree rich in vitamin E, skin-repairing and emollient.

"Kiss Yourself Quick": Portulaca Pilosa

Portulaca Pilosa, known in Italy as hairy purslane and in English-speaking countries as kiss-me-quick, is a climbing plant with annual blooming. Its flowers, resembling lips in shape and color (hence the name kiss-me-quick), are a bright pink or red. Native to tropical climates like South America and Singapore, except for Australia, it thrives on sandy or rocky coastlines where it enjoys warm sun and well-drained soil (National Parks).

Portulaca Pilosa offers significant antioxidant protection through vitamin C, vitamin E, glutathione, and beta-carotene. It has anti-inflammatory properties, supporting skin cells, protecting against free radical damage, and aiding in the renewal of structural skin components. It accelerates wound healing and supports healthy cell turnover through the process of cell division, facilitated by its high vitamin A content. It improves skin hydration and reduces dryness as it is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Additionally, it provides anti-aging benefits by activating telomerase, known as the "fountain of youth enzyme," and is non-irritating to the skin (Byrdie, 2021).

From the East to Your Skin: Camellia Japonica

Camellia Japonica, or Tsubaki, has a characteristic corolla formed by a tuft of yellow stamens surrounded by red petals with white streaks. It blooms in spring and can reach a height of 3-5 meters (La Repubblica, 2023). It derives its name from being native to China, Korea, and parts of Japan (North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox).



Camellia Japonica is a rich source of antioxidants, vitamins, phytosqualene, and omega-6 fatty acids, providing benefits for skin improvement in terms of antioxidant protection and moisturizing properties. It contains lipids with excellent emollient and moisturizing properties. Specifically, the omega-6 fatty acids are ideal for increasing skin hydration, reducing the appearance of fine lines and premature dryness. Additionally, the use of this plant for skin care provides antioxidant protection that helps neutralize harmful free radicals present in the environment (L’Oréal Paris).


Take Care of Yourself: Flower Benefits  in Cosmetics

May welcomes us with the vibrant awakening of nature, manifested in the splendor of flowers, which in turn contribute to our rebirth. Beyond their aesthetic beauty, flowers offer a treasure trove of benefits for our health and well-being. The properties of flowers in cosmetics allow us to take care of ourselves through the conscious use of floral ingredients in treating skin and hair.


Woman with flowers around her, symbolising flower benefits in cosmetics

FAQs

What makes flowers beneficial in cosmetics?


Flowers are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and other nutrients that help improve skin and hair health. They offer moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and protective properties, making them great ingredients for cosmetic products.


What is Limnanthes Alba, and how does it benefit my skin and hair?

Limnanthes Alba, also known as meadowfoam, is a plant rich in vitamin E and long-chain fatty acids. Its oil provides strong antioxidant and moisturizing properties, leaving skin soft and hydrated without being greasy. It also protects and strengthens hair, preventing brittleness and frizz.



How does Acacia Decurrens (Mimosa) contribute to skin care?


Acacia Decurrens, or Mimosa, produces a wax rich in vitamin E that offers protective and film-forming properties. It acts as an emollient, softening the skin and enhancing its natural repair mechanisms, making it a great ingredient for moisturizing and protective skin care products.



Why is Portulaca Pilosa called "Kiss Me Quick," and what are its flower benefits?


Portulaca Pilosa is called "Kiss Me Quick" due to its lip-shaped, brightly colored flowers. It is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids, offering anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, and anti-aging benefits. It helps protect skin cells and supports healthy cell turnover.



What are the key flower benefits of using Camellia Japonica in cosmetics?


Camellia Japonica, or Tsubaki, is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, phytosqualene, and omega-6 fatty acids. It provides excellent moisturizing and emollient properties, helping to hydrate the skin, reduce fine lines, and protect against free radicals.

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