Schinus molle fruit extract is obtained from the plant Schinus molle or Pink Pepper (a plant native to Peru and belonging to the botanical family Anacardiaceae). Its bright pink fruits resemble peppercorns, but it is not a true pepper and is not the source of the traditional black or white pepper. These fruits have been used traditionally in various cultures, and its extract has found applications in modern cosmetics and skin care.

Name breakdown and function of the components

• Schinus molle - This is the scientific name for the Pink Peppercorn tree or False pepper, a tree native to South America, known for its berries that are often used as a spice.
• Fruit - Refers to the berries of the tree. The fruits of Schinus molle are small red drupes known for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Extract - Indicates that the product is a concentration of some components of the fruit.

Description and function of the raw materials used in production

• Schinus molle fruits - The primary source of antioxidant compounds, aromatic essences, and other beneficial compounds.
• Solvent (like water or ethyl alcohol) - Used to extract the beneficial compounds from the fruits.

Summary of the extraction process step by step

• Collection and preparation of the fruits - Fruits are harvested and cleaned from impurities.
• Shredding - The fruits are shredded into smaller pieces to increase the surface area in contact with the solvent.
• Extraction - The shredded material is soaked in the solvent for a specified period, allowing the compounds to diffuse into the solvent.
• Filtration - Once extraction is complete, the solution is filtered to remove any residual solid particles.
• Evaporation - The solvent is then evaporated, leaving behind the concentrated Schinus molle extract.
• Stabilization and preservation - The extract may be further treated or stabilized for long-term storage.

What it is for and where

Cosmetics

Humectant. Hygroscopic compound used to minimise water loss in the skin and to prevent it from drying out by facilitating faster and greater absorption of water into the stratum corneum of the epidermis.  The epidermis is the most superficial of the three layers that make up human skin (epidermis, dermis and hypodermis) and is the layer that maintains hydration in all three layers. In turn, the epidermis is composed of five layers: horny, the most superficial, granular, spinous, shiny, and basal. Humectants have the ability to retain the water they attract from the air in the stratum corneum and have the function of moisturising the skin. They are best used before emollients, which are oil-based.

Perfuming. Unlike fragrance, which can also contain slightly less pleasant or characteristic odours, the term perfume indicates only very pleasant fragrances. Used for perfumes and aromatic raw materials.

CAS   94334-31-3

EC number   305-104-2

Commercial applications

Cosmetic and Skincare Products: Due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, it can be found in products for impure or acne-prone skin.

Cooling Products: The extract might provide a cooling effect and can be incorporated into lotions or toners.

Tradition: Traditionally, the berries and other parts of the plant have been utilized for various purposes, including medicinal and culinary.

Properties

Antimicrobial: Helps combat bacteria and other microorganisms on the skin.

Anti-inflammatory: Assists in reducing skin inflammation and irritation.

Cooling: Provides a refreshing effect on the skin.

Studies

Schinus molle contains antioxidants and antifungal components (1):

• β-pinene (25,23)
• epi-α-cadinol (21·29%)
• α-pinene (18·72%)
• myrcene (11·54%)
• sabinene (5·02%)

In another recent study, the essential oil obtained from the leaves of Schinus molle has a fairly similar composition, but, in this analysis, alpha-pinene, a terpene, is the main one with 23,49% . The action exerted by alpha-pinene has a cytotoxic activity against some types of immune cells (macrophages), only at high concentrations (2).

Pink pepper studies

References_________________________________________________________________

(1) do Prado AC, Garces HG, Bagagli E, Rall VLM, Furlanetto A, Fernandes Junior A, Furtado FB.  Schinus molle essential oil as a potential source of bioactive compounds: antifungal and antibacterial properties.  J Appl Microbiol. 2019 Feb;126(2):516-522. doi: 10.1111/jam.14157.

(2) Duarte JA, Zambrano LAB, Quintana LD, Rocha MB, Schmitt EG, Boligon AA, Anraku de Campos MM, de Oliveira LFS, Machado MM.  Immunotoxicological Evaluation of Schinus molle L. (Anacardiaceae) Essential Oil in Lymphocytes and Macrophages.   Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2018 Oct 16;2018:6541583. doi: 10.1155/2018/6541583.