Derived from the Bitter Orange Tree (or Bigaradier), orange blossom provides a hydrosol with recognized antioxidant activity. It fights free radicals and helps to restore radiance to the complexion and brighten the skin. Discover in this article the molecules it contains that give it its regenerative and brightening properties.
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What is the chemical composition of orange blossom hydrosol?
Summary
- In short, orange blossom hydrosol
- What are the chemical components of orange blossom hydrosol?
- The orange blossom hydrosol at Typology
- Sources
Published January 6, 2022,
updated on October 4, 2024,
by
Maylis, Chemical Engineer
—
4 min read
In short, orange blossom hydrosol.
The orange blossom is a flower of white or pale pink color. It grows on the bitter orange tree, a shrub native to India that is now found around the Mediterranean. Its hydrosol is derived from the steam distillation of dried flowers. This method involves mixing and heating the plant residues with water in a still, then cooling the steam in a condenser to recover it in liquid form. The essential oil, less dense than the water used for extraction, then floats on the surface, which is none other than the hydrosol. This is recognized in cosmetics for its regenerative properties and its ability to tone devitalized skin. Unlike essential oil, it can be used without contraindications by children and pregnant women as it is less concentrated in active species.
What are the chemical components of orange blossom hydrosol?
Firstly, this hydrosol is rich in antioxidant molecules such as vitamin C and flavonoids (hesperidoside and naringoside). These are polyphenols capable of neutralizing free radicals. As a reminder, free radicals are highly reactive molecules because they are extremely unstable due to their unpaired electron. They degrade cell membranes, DNA that carries the genetic code, proteins, enzymes... They thus accelerate the aging process of the body. The hydroxy and phenoxy groups of the flavonoids present in the orange blossom hydrosol donate electrons to deactivate free radicals by making them more stable and therefore less reactive. This hydrosol is therefore recommended to fight against premature aging of the epidermis, restore radiance to the complexion, and brighten the skin.
The orange blossom hydrosol also contains terpenes such as linalool. This molecule is a recognized allergen, but its low quantity in the hydrosol does not make it irritating. Linalool is a compound with fragrant properties as well as relaxing effects on the nervous system. The limonene is also a terpene found in this hydrosol, originally responsible for the scent of lemon and orange. This molecule with anti-inflammatory properties soothes redness. Therefore, orange blossom hydrosol is recommended for delicate and sensitive skin. Moreover, it also contains esters, sesquiterpenols and sesquiterpenes that act against skin inflammation. It relieves irritated skin and can thus be used as an after-sun treatment.
The orange blossom hydrosol at Typology.
Our orange blossom hydrosol has been distilled from organically grown orange flowers, cultivated and harvested in Morocco. It is used pure, morning and evening, on clean and dry skin, to revive its radiance and soothe any potential irritations.
You can also enjoy the benefits of this hydrosol with our moisturizing gel made with aloe vera and organic orange blossom for the face and body. Itsoothes the skin and deeply hydrates. We recommend applying a small amount on clean, dry skin and massaging until fully absorbed. Its melting and light texture penetrates quickly and leaves the skin soft and comfortable, without a sticky finish.
Sources:
FARAMARZI M. A. & al. GC/MS Analysis of Citrus aurantium L. hydrolate and its comparison with the commercial samples. International Journal of Production Research (2004).
HEO M. T. & al. Biological screening of 100 plant extracts for cosmetic use (II): anti-oxidative activity and free radical scavenging activity. International Journal of Cosmetic Science (2008).
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