Freesia Alba Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract is derived from the flowers, leaves, and stems of the Freesia alba plant (Iridaceae), commonly known as white freesia. This aromatic herb is cherished for its sweet floral fragrance and is native to southern Africa. The extract is valued in cosmetic formulations for its multifunctional properties, including its soothing, hydrating, and antioxidant effects. It is widely used in skincare products for its ability to enhance skin health, improve texture, and provide a pleasant sensory experience.

Chemical Composition and Structure

Freesia Alba Extract contains:

• Essential Oils: The extract is rich in aromatic compounds that contribute to its characteristic scent and therapeutic benefits.
• Flavonoids: These antioxidant compounds help protect the skin from oxidative stress and environmental damage, promoting a youthful and radiant appearance.
• Phenolic Compounds: Bioactive components that provide anti-inflammatory properties and enhance the extract's effectiveness in skincare applications.
• Vitamins: Contains vitamins such as vitamin C, which is essential for skin health and collagen production.

This diverse composition allows Freesia Alba Extract to nourish, protect, and revitalize the skin effectively.

Physical Properties

• Appearance: Typically a clear to pale yellow liquid or viscous extract.

• Solubility: Soluble in alcohol and oils; limited solubility in water.

• pH: Generally neutral to slightly acidic, ensuring compatibility with various cosmetic formulations.

• Odor: Characteristic sweet and floral scent, aromatic and pleasant.

• Stability: Stable under normal storage conditions; should be protected from excessive heat and light.

Production Process

1. Harvesting: The flowers, leaves, and stems of the Freesia alba plant are harvested during the blooming season to optimize their potency and aromatic qualities.

2. Extraction: The plant material is processed to obtain the extract, often through steam distillation or solvent extraction methods to retain beneficial properties.

3. Purification: The extract is purified to remove impurities and ensure a high-quality product.

4. Formulation: Purified Freesia Alba Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract is incorporated into various cosmetic products to enhance their soothing, hydrating, and aromatic properties.

Applications

• Medical: Used in topical formulations for its soothing properties and ability to reduce skin irritation and inflammation.

• Cosmetics: Commonly found in creams, lotions, serums, and perfumes for its hydrating, antioxidant, and aromatic benefits. It improves skin texture, promotes a healthy appearance, and enhances the overall sensory experience.

INCI Functions:

Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment as it has the function of restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants that can be added in the formulation.

• Industrial Uses: May be employed in formulations requiring natural extracts with beneficial properties and appealing scents.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

Generally regarded as safe for topical application, however, like all extracts, it should be used in accordance with established guidelines to avoid potential allergic reactions or skin irritations. People with allergies or very sensitive skin should be careful. 

It is important to ensure that the extract is sustainably sourced and free from harmful chemicals.

References__________________________________________________________________________

Manning, J., & Kaiser, R. (2009). Scentsational freesias. Veld & Flora, 95(3), 132-135.

Abstract. For city dwellers around the world, the appearance of freesias in florists' shops and in the barrows of flower sellers on street corners is the urban equivalent of the unfurling of spring wildflowers in fields and woodlands. Unlike many of their rural cousins, however, freesias pour forth a strong, sweet fragrance from their trumpet-shaped flowers, sounding a brilliant olfactory fanfare to dispel the dreary northern winter. Their bright sprays of blossom burst onto streets with the élan of a cancan chorus line, the ruffled flowers dancing down each stem in a perfectly choreographed row, petals swirling around dainty, creamy stamens - vivacious and irresistible as the grisettes of Maxim's.

Adnan Younis, A. Y., Bhatti, M. Z. M., Atif Riaz, A. R., Usman Tariq, U. T., Muhammad Arfan, M. A., Muhammad Nadeem, M. N., & Muhammad Ahsan, M. A. (2012). Effect of different types of mulching on growth and flowering of Freesia alba cv. Aurora.

Abstract. The effect of different mulching materials such as transparent plastic sheet, rice straw and black plastic sheet was investigated on growth and flowering of Freesia cv. Aurora. There were four treatments, i.e. rice straw, white plastic sheet (transparent PS), black plastic sheets (black PS), and control (no mulching) and each treatment was replicated thrice. The results showed that time to germination was decreased and germination percentage was significantly improved by black mulch as compared to control in freesia plants. Straw mulch produced maximum plant height; earlier flower emergence, highest number of flower spikes per plant, floret per spike and flowers per plant. Maximum flower diameter was also observed in black polythene mulch. From the results of this experiment it can be concluded that black plastic mulch triggers plant growth and development (vegetative growth) while straw mulch encourages flower production both qualitatively and quantitatively in freesia plants.

Wang, L. (2007). Freesia: Freesia x hybrida. In Flower Breeding and Genetics: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities for the 21st Century (pp. 665-693). Dordrecht: Springer Netherlands.

Abstract. Freesia x hybrida is a popular cut flower and flowering potted plant. Fragrance, long vase-life, and wide color range make this a versatile floriculture crop. Diagnostic traits of the 11 Freesia species are described with reference to their potential commercial value. Temperature and photoperiod are the primary factors controlling flowering. By controlling forcing, conventional and delayed planting, the crop can be kept in production for six consecutive months. Freesias are self-incompatible and exhibit inbreeding depression when inbred parental lines are developed. The crop ideotype consists of the following traits: 7 or more florets/spike, extra-large flower size (tetraploids), 70-80cm long stems, pure and clear flower colors, sweet fragrance, and disease resistance.