What Is Helichrysum?

Learn about the absorbent, anti-sebum, fragrance, perfuming, skin conditioning, skin conditioning emollient, and soothing characteristics of Helichrysum and its usage in personal care products.

What Is Helichrysum? Brandon Jones / IngredientReviewer

Last Updated: October 2, 2024

Written by Brandon Jones

What Is Helichrysum?

Section Link

What is the purpose of Helichrysum in personal care products? It is used for its absorbent, anti-sebum, fragrance, perfuming, skin conditioning, skin conditioning emollient, and soothing characteristics. Helichrysum absorbs liquid, reduces excessive oil, provides a good smell, adds a pleasant fragrance, moisturizes and strengthens skin, hydrates skin to prevent dryness, and helps reduce irritation of the skin.

What Are Absorbent Ingredients?

Section Link

Helichrysum has absorbent characteristics.

Absorbent ingredients are substances added to products to help them absorb moisture or oil. For example, in a face powder, absorbent ingredients like talc or silica help to absorb excess oil on the skin and give a matte finish. In deodorants, absorbent ingredients like baking soda or cornstarch helps to absorb sweat and moisture.

Besides cosmetic items, absorbent ingredients are found in other products like diapers. Super-absorbent polymers (SAPs) help keep babies dry by quickly absorbing and locking away moisture.

Types of Absorbent Ingredients

Here are some of the most common types of absorbent ingredients in cosmetics:

  • Powders: Cosmetics may contain a variety of powders, such as talc, cornstarch, or silica, which can help to absorb excess oil or moisture from the skin.

  • Clays: Natural clays, such as kaolin or bentonite, are often used in cosmetics as they can absorb excess oil and unwanted substances from the skin.

  • Charcoal: Activated charcoal is sometimes used in cosmetics as it can absorb impurities and toxins from the skin.

  • Gels: Some gels, such as aloe vera gel, can have absorbent properties and may be used in cosmetics to help soothe and moisturize the skin.

  • Polymers: Certain polymers, such as polyacrylates or cross-linked polyethylene, can be used in cosmetics to absorb excess moisture from the skin or to create a smooth, matte finish.

What Are Anti-Sebum Ingredients?

Section Link

Helichrysum has anti-sebum characteristics.

Anti-sebum ingredients are found in cosmetic products that help manage excessive oil production on the skin. Seborrhea is a condition that causes the skin to produce too much oil or sebum, leading to acne, blackheads, and other skin problems. These ingredients help regulate sebum production by the skin's oil glands, thereby reducing oiliness and helping to unclog pores. Some common anti-sebum ingredients include salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, retinoids, and alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs).

Types of Anti-Sebum Ingredients

Here are some of the most common types of anti-sebum ingredients in cosmetics:

  • Astringents: These ingredients help dry the skin and reduce oil production.

  • Antimicrobials: These ingredients help kill the bacteria and fungi that contribute to sebum dermatitis.

  • Anti-inflammatory agents: These ingredients help to reduce inflammation and irritation associated with sebum dermatitis.

  • Exfoliants: These ingredients help remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, which can reduce oil buildup.

  • Moisturizers: While it may seem counterintuitive, using a moisturizer can help regulate oil production and prevent the skin from overproducing oil.

What Are Fragrance Ingredients?

Section Link

Helichrysum has fragrance characteristics.

Fragrance ingredients in cosmetic products create a pleasant scent and mask unpleasant odors. They are added to enhance the user's sensory experience while using the product. These ingredients can be synthetic or natural and are used in various products such as perfumes, body lotions, shampoos, and deodorants.

One of the primary functions of fragrance ingredients is to impart an odor or taste to a product, which creates a pleasing and memorable sensory experience. Depending on the intended effect, the scent can be fruity, floral, or musky. The fragrance can also be adjusted to complement the product's other ingredients, such as moisturizing or cleaning agents.

Another function of fragrance ingredients is to mask any unpleasant smells that may be present in a product. For example, shampoo may have a strong chemical smell due to the cleaning agents used, but adding a pleasant fragrance can mask that odor and make the product more appealing. In this way, fragrance ingredients can help improve a product's overall quality and increase its marketability.

What Are Perfuming Ingredients?

Section Link

Helichrysum has perfuming characteristics.

Perfuming ingredients are used in cosmetic products to enhance a product's scent. These ingredients are derived from various sources, such as essential oils, synthetic aromas, and natural extracts. Perfuming ingredients are carefully selected and blended to create a specific scent profile that appeals to users.

How perfuming ingredients function is by emitting molecules that are easily vaporized, and these molecules stimulate the odorant receptors in our noses, creating a delightful fragrance. They are carefully selected and blended to create a unique scent profile that can evoke a particular emotion or mood.

Natural vs Synthetic Perfuming Ingredients

Natural perfuming ingredients are derived from natural sources such as flowers, fruits, spices, and herbs. These ingredients can provide a wide range of scents, from floral to woody to spicy, and are often used in high-end or niche fragrances. Natural perfuming ingredients commonly include essential oils, absolutes, resins, and extracts.

On the other hand, synthetic perfuming ingredients are created in a lab using a combination of chemicals. They are designed to mimic natural ingredients' scents or create entirely new fragrances. Synthetic ingredients are often used in mass-market perfumes and other fragranced products because they are cheaper and more consistent in scent than natural ingredients.

What Are Skin Conditioning Ingredients?

Section Link

Helichrysum has skin conditioning characteristics.

Skin conditioning ingredients improve the texture, feel, and overall appearance of the skin, helping to avoid harmful effects from external factors. Skin conditioning ingredients moisturize the skin and strengthen its natural barrier function to help protect it from damage caused by harsh weather and sunlight. Some skin conditioning ingredients are anti-inflammatory and can help reduce redness and irritated skin.

What Are Skin Conditioning Emollient Ingredients?

Section Link

Helichrysum has skin conditioning emollient characteristics.

Skin conditioning emollients help improve the skin's texture and appearance while providing it with the necessary hydration to prevent dryness and flakiness. Emollients are lubricants that create a barrier on the skin's surface to trap moisture, which helps prevent dryness and dehydration.

Skin conditioning emollients are commonly found in cosmetics such as moisturizers and lotions, which significantly help maintain healthy and youthful-looking skin. Emollients are typically made from natural oils, such as coconut or jojoba, and can also contain humectants that draw moisture to the skin's surface.

What Are Soothing Ingredients?

Section Link

Helichrysum has soothing characteristics.

Soothing ingredients are common in cosmetic products like lotions, creams, and shampoos. These ingredients are added to help reduce any discomfort or irritation on the skin or scalp. Some common soothing ingredients include aloe vera, chamomile, and oatmeal. These ingredients reduce inflammation and calm the skin or scalp.

Safety

Section Link

Remember, always read and follow the instructions provided on product labels carefully. If you have any questions or concerns about using a product containing various ingredients, consult with your doctor or healthcare provider before use.