Pennyroyal, scientifically known as Mentha pulegium L., is a plant in the Lamiaceae family. It is known for its aromatic leaves and historical use in traditional medicine. Pennyroyal has been valued for its distinctive minty aroma and potential therapeutic properties.

Chemical Composition and Structure:

Pulegone: The principal compound in Pennyroyal, responsible for its strong minty scent and potential stimulant and antimicrobial effects.
Menthone: Another significant compound contributing to its aromatic profile.
Other Terpenes and Compounds: Various other terpenes and bioactive compounds that may affect its properties.

Physical Properties:

Appearance: The plant has green, lance-shaped leaves and small purple or pinkish flowers.
Odor: Characteristic of mint with a strong, fresh aroma, mainly due to the high concentration of pulegone.
Texture: The leaves are typically covered with tiny hairs, giving them a slightly rough texture.
Production Process:

Harvesting: Pennyroyal is harvested when the plant is in full bloom to ensure maximum potency of its aromatic compounds.
Processing: The harvested plant material can be used fresh or dried. For essential oil production, the plant is often steam-distilled.

Applications:

Traditional Medicine: Historically used in herbal remedies for its digestive and respiratory benefits.
Aromatherapy: Used for its aromatic properties in various formulations.
Cosmetics: Incorporated into products for its fragrance and potential skin benefits.

Environmental and Safety Considerations:

Environmental Impact: Sustainable harvesting practices are important to minimize environmental impact and ensure the plant’s conservation.
Safety: Pennyroyal should be used with caution due to its potency. High concentrations of pulegone can be toxic if ingested in large amounts. Individual reactions such as intolerance or allergy cannot be excluded. Always use the plant or its extracts in recommended concentrations and formulations.

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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