Chemistry News
Aloe vera is a perennial evergreen succulent herb of the genus Aloe in the lily family, native to the Mediterranean and Africa. Currently, only six species of Aloe vera have been identified for cosmetic use, namely At present, only six species of Aloe vera have been confirmed for cosmetic use, namely, Aloe curacao, Aloe cape, Aloe muli, Aloe antonica, Aloe sinensis and Aloe eastern Africa, etc. The rest are mostly ornamental Aloe vera. Polysaccharide It is the main sugar compound of Aloe vera and the main physiologically active substance of Aloe vera. It is also rich in anthraquinones (aloin, aloe-emodin, iso-emodin, rhubarb It is also rich in anthraquinones (aloe-emodin, aloe-emodin, iso-emodin, rhodopsin, etc.), trace elements, amino acids, vitamins and phenols. Aloe vera extract has been widely used in the cosmetic industry as a It is a natural botanical ingredient with multiple effects such as moisturizing, sunscreen, soothing and anti-itching, and after-sun repair. Fresh stems and leaves of aloe vera are mainly used in cosmetics.
Moisturizing
Aloe Vera contains the same composition of aloe polysaccharides, amino acids and metal salts as the natural moisturizing factor, which has excellent moisturizing properties. Aloe vera extract can provide a natural moisturizing system for the skin. Experimental studies have shown that aloe vera has better moisturizing properties than hyaluronic acid and 5% glycerin in an emulsified system with an optimal moisturizing concentration of 40%-50% (the amount of raw aloe vera juice in the formulation). In a relatively dry environment (RH=43.3%), its moisturizing property is even better than 10% glycerin.
Sun protection
The main component of sunscreen in aloe vera is anthraquinone (aloe vera glucoside), which has a strong UV absorption in the UV region due to its long conjugation system The anthraquinones are able to absorb UV rays in the range of 320-380nm due to their long conjugation system. The mechanism of sunscreen is that aloe vera anthraquinones absorb UV light energy under UV excitation, and the electrons jump from the ground state to the excited state. When the electrons return to the ground state, the absorbed light energy is released in the form of fluorescence. In other words, in this process, the aloe anthraquinones quinones absorb the UV energy and convert it into fluorescence that has no damaging effect on the skin. The combination of aloe vera and silicone oil can form an adsorbent coating on the outside of the skin It is easy to lose and has a good anti-sunburn effect.
Wound healing
The wound healing process and immunostimulatory effects of Aloe vera are due to the high relative molecular mass of the polysaccharides in its gel, which are dominated by mannans. Mannans The activation of macrophages will accelerate the growth of cells and tissues, increase the activity and reproduction rate of fibroblasts The activation of macrophages will accelerate cell and tissue growth, increase fibroblast activity and reproduction rate, and thus promote wound healing. In addition, gibberellins (a plant growth hormone) in Aloe vera promote wound healing by increasing the rate of protein synthesis.
Anti-inflammatory
The anti-inflammatory effect of aloe vera is one of its most basic effects, because the three substances present in aloe vera, namely steroids, vasodilatory kinase and antiprostaglandins, have anti-inflammatory activity Therefore, aloe vera extract has a therapeutic effect on acne and pimple marks.
Summary
As a widely used natural cosmetic ingredient, aloe vera extract has a permanent position in the cosmetic industry because of its moisturizing, sunscreen, wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is easy to use and effective in cosmetics, and has a mature market development prospect.