Everything you need to know about cornflower hydrosol.

The cornflower is an annual herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae botanical family. It typically grows in Europe, in cereal fields, much like the poppy. Mistakenly considered an undesirable plant, the cornflower, now being destroyed by the intensive use of herbicides, is becoming increasingly rare.

The virtues of this flower have been known since antiquity. Therapeutically, in the 14th century, it was the Italian Pietro Andrea MATTHIOLI who was one of the first to promote cornflower hydrosol as a natural eye wash for treating eye conditions.

The hydrosol is extracted by distilling fresh cornflower blossoms, even though this plant does not produce essential oil. This extraction technique is straightforward. The flowers are mixed with water in a still, and then the mixture is heated. The steam is cooled in a condenser and collected in liquid form; this is the hydrosol. It typically has a slightly acidic pH ranging between 4.5 and 6 and a rather mild scent of lemony hay. It contains a high concentration of soothing molecules such as alpha-terpineol, polyynes, and anthocyanosides.

The cosmetic properties of cornflower hydrosol, particularly for the eye, eyelids, and periocular areas, have been known since time immemorial... It also has benefits for facial skin. Below are its main virtues:

• Antioxidant : Researchers have demonstrated that cornflower hydrosol has a greater antioxidant activity than vitamin C. Indeed, cornflower hydrosol significantly limits the production of oxygenated chemical species (free radicals). As a reminder, these unstable and highly reactive molecules are generated by various factors such as the sun, pollution, tobacco... They damage a wide range of the body's healthy molecules (DNA, RNA, proteins...), accelerating its aging.

• Anti-inflammatory: Cornflower hydrosol significantly reduces the secretion of pro-inflammatory molecules, known as cytokines.

• Effect on the skin's barrier function: Cornflower hydrosol strengthens intercellular cohesion at the superficial layer of the skin, ensuring the maintenance of its hydration and thus preventing the appearance of dehydration fine lines.

• Brightening: Studies have shown that the application of cornflower hydrosol leads to a significant reduction in cells containing a large amount of melanin, a skin pigment responsible for brown coloration. Therefore, it is particularly recommended for lightening the color of pigmented dark circles.

There are no specific contraindications to the cosmetic use of cornflower hydrosol. Children, pregnant women, and/or breastfeeding mothers can use it without risk. Cornflower hydrosol is also suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive ones.

Cornflower hydrosol is predominantly found in treatments designed for the eye contour. However, you can also find it in after-sun body products for its soothing properties, or in face creams or serums intended for dull complexions, due to its brightening virtues:

• Thecornflower hydrosol soothes the skin and decongests the eye contour. It is obtained by distilling cornflower blossoms from organic farming and contains 99% natural-origin ingredients. Free from preservatives and made from dried flowers, the hydrosol is sensitive to light, oxidation, and heat. Therefore, it should be stored in an opaque bottle, in a dry place away from light and heat. The hydrosol can be keptfor about 6 months after opening.

• The eye cream for dark circles and bags with 2% caffeine and cornflower hydrosol is concentrated with decongesting active ingredients. It helps to reduce the purplish appearance of dark circles and the swollen look of bags under the eyes, for a brighter gaze.

• Thetinted under-eye concealer provides high coverage and a natural finish. It effortlessly blurs under-eye circles and bags. It is enriched with caffeine, niacinamide, and cornflower hydrosol to reduce the appearance of under-eye circles and bags over time.

• ANGENOT L. & al. Anti-inflammatory and immunological effects of Centaurea cyanus flower-heads. Journal of Ethnopharmacology (1999).

• GRANATO D. & al. Chemical study, antioxidant, anti-hypertensive, and cytotoxic/cytoprotective activities of Centaurea cyanus L. petals aqueous extract. Food and Chemical Toxicology (2018).