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White wavy lines texture on a surfaceIdentity Profile: Phytosterols

Identity Profile: Phytosterols

Commonly known as: Beta-Sitosterol (INCI).
Botanical name: Pinus pinea.
Extraction process: Extraction through pressure of pine bark, followed by crystallization and purification.
Family: Pine Family.
Part of the plant extracted: Bark.
Location: Originating from the Mediterranean basin, from Southwest Europe.
Flowering: Between March and May.
Provenance, origin: Southwest of France.
Phytochemical composition: β-sitosterols (70 – 80%), sitostanols (up to 15%), campesterols (6 – 10%), campestanols (up to 2%).
Sensorial properties: Appearance: Fine powder; Color: White; Odor: Odorless.
Physical characteristics: Structural similarity to cholesterol; Recommended usage dose to induce benefits: between 0.5 and 2%; Insoluble in water; Soluble in oils and fats when heated.
Benefits: Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, soothing, moisturizing.
Concerns: All skin types, particularly dry, irritated, dehydrated, and atopic-prone skin; All hair types, especially sensitive scalps; Recommended for aging prevention.

Details

Properties

  • Antibacterial: Combatting certain bacterial infections by inhibiting the growth of golden staphylococci ;

  • Anti-inflammatory: Alleviating skin discomfort sensations (tingling, redness, swelling, etc.) by reducing the production of pro-inflammatory molecules (IL-1β, TNF-α), and inhibiting the activity of lipoxygenase (LOX) and cyclooxygenase (COX), two enzymes playing a key role in the production of prostaglandins which are at the origin of several inflammatory phenomena ;

  • Antioxidant: Slowing down the premature aging of the skin by neutralizing free radicals by stimulating the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase) and providing an electron due to its chemical structure ;

  • Moisturizer: Enhancing the skin's barrier function and water retention by promoting the production of hyaluronic acid, as well as that of natural moisturizing factors;

  • Regenerating: Restoring the skin by promoting cellular renewal and stimulating dermal fibroblasts.

Usage

  • Facial Care (balms/creams/moisturizing and soothing milks, lip balms/oils, eye contour treatments, sun care, serums, dry beard oils, shaving creams);

  • Body Care (body scrubs, foot gels, exfoliating body balms, hand creams, after-sun treatments);

  • Hair Care (styling creams, hair masks);

  • Makeups (foundations).

Method of Preservation

Store at room temperature, protected from moisture and direct sunlight.

Contraindications, Usage Precautions

Unregulated, phytosterols are considered safe and non-irritating for topical use. Pregnant and nursing women, as well as children from 3 years old can use them safely.

Find out more

Sitosterols, campesterols, stigmasterols, brassicasterols, sitostanols... phytosterols are a group of plant sterols found in the cellular membrane of plants, particularly in the seeds of oil-bearing plants. Having a similar structure and role to cholesterol, phytosterols have the ability to reduce blood cholesterol levels by decreasing its intestinal absorption through competition, and thus, in theory, could reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease onset. However, there is no evidence of this correlation. In skincare applications, it serves as a perfect botanical alternative to cholesterol, offering the same consistency and functions.