Mentha Pulegium, commonly known as Pennyroyal, is a plant in the Labiatae family known for its aromatic properties. This plant is often used in traditional medicine and cosmetics for its potential benefits. The extract obtained from Mentha Pulegium is valued for its strong minty aroma and possible therapeutic effects.

Chemical Composition and Structure:

Pulegone: A major component found in the plant, known for its distinctive minty scent and potential stimulant and antimicrobial properties.
Menthone: Another key compound that contributes to the plant's aromatic profile.
Other Terpenes and Compounds: Includes various other terpenes and bioactive compounds that may influence the plant's properties.

Physical Properties:

Appearance: The plant extract is typically a liquid that can range from clear to slightly yellow, depending on the concentration and extraction method.
Odor: Characteristic of mint, with a strong, fresh, and sometimes slightly spicy aroma.
Solubility: Soluble in oils and lipid-based formulations; less soluble in aqueous solutions.
pH: The pH is not typically measured for plant extracts but may affect the pH of the final formulation depending on concentration and other ingredients.

Production Process:

Harvesting: The Mentha Pulegium plant is harvested when it reaches the desired maturity.
Extraction: The plant material is processed to extract bioactive compounds. Methods may include steam distillation, solvent extraction, or other techniques to obtain the desired extract.
Filtration: The extract is filtered to remove solid particles and impurities.
Standardization: The extract may be standardized to ensure consistent levels of key compounds such as pulegone.
Formulation: The extract is incorporated into various cosmetic or therapeutic formulations.

Applications:

Cosmetics and Skincare: Used in various cosmetic products for its aromatic properties and potential skin benefits. It can be added to creams, lotions, and serums.
Aromatherapy: Employed in essential oil blends and diffusers for its minty aroma and possible therapeutic effects.
Traditional Medicine: Sometimes used in herbal remedies for its potential digestive and respiratory benefits.

Environmental and Safety Considerations:

Environmental Impact: The production of Mentha Pulegium extracts should follow sustainable practices to minimize environmental impact and ensure resource management.
Safety: The plant extract is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and traditional medicine. However, high concentrations of pulegone can be potent and potentially irritating. Individual reactions such as intolerance or allergy cannot be excluded. The final product should be tested for skin compatibility and used in appropriate concentrations.

INCI:


Fragrance. It plays a very important role in the formulation of cosmetic products as it provides the possibility of enhancing, masking or adding fragrance to the final product, increasing its marketability. It is able to create a perceptible pleasant odour, masking a bad smell. The consumer always expects to find a pleasant or distinctive scent in a cosmetic product.

Refreshing. This ingredient is included in cosmetic products to provide a refreshing or toning sensation to the skin and can also help relieve irritation or redness.

Surfactant - Foam booster. It has the effect of introducing gas bubbles into the water and affects the cleaning process by helping to spread the cleanser. Since sebum has an inhibiting effect on the bubble, more foam is produced in the second shampoo.
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