What Is Mirabilis Jalapa?

Learn about the antimicrobial, antioxidant, astringent, skin conditioning, skin conditioning emollient, and skin-protecting characteristics of Mirabilis Jalapa and its usage in personal care products.

What Is Mirabilis Jalapa? Brandon Jones / IngredientReviewer

Last Updated: October 2, 2024

Written by Brandon Jones

What Is Mirabilis Jalapa?

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What is the purpose of Mirabilis Jalapa in personal care products? It is used for its antimicrobial, antioxidant, astringent, skin conditioning, skin conditioning emollient, and skin-protecting characteristics. Mirabilis Jalapa prevents bacterial growth, prevents oxidation, tightens the skin, moisturizes and strengthens skin, hydrates skin to prevent dryness, and protects your skin.

What Are Antimicrobial Ingredients?

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Mirabilis Jalapa has antimicrobial characteristics.

Antimicrobial ingredients are commonly used in cosmetic products like creams, lotions, and makeup to prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and viruses. These ingredients help preserve the quality and extend product shelf life by preventing contamination.

Cosmetic products are produced with various ingredients that can serve as food for microorganisms, making it a suitable environment for them to grow and multiply. This can lead to the formation of unpleasant odors, changes in color, and even product spoilage. Antimicrobial ingredients are added to prevent such occurrences.

These ingredients are also added to disinfectants, hand sanitizers, and other cleaning solutions to kill bacteria and viruses that may be present on surfaces. These ingredients are essential in settings like hospitals and schools, where there is a high risk of infection and transmission.

Types of Antimicrobial Ingredients

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

  • Preservatives: These are added to cosmetics to prevent microbial growth and spoilage. They work by inhibiting the growth of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms.

  • Surfactants: These help to break down the surface tension of liquids and can have antimicrobial properties. They are often used in cleansing products to help remove dirt and oil from the skin.

  • Essential oils: These concentrated plant extracts can have antimicrobial properties. They are often used in natural and organic cosmetics as a natural preservative and fragrance.

  • Antimicrobial agents: These specifically target and kill microorganisms. They are often added to products such as deodorants, antiperspirants, and hand sanitizers to help prevent the growth of bacteria and other microbes.

  • Natural extracts: Many natural extracts, such as tea tree oil and neem oil, have been shown to have antimicrobial properties. They are often used in natural and organic cosmetics as an alternative to synthetic antimicrobial agents.

What Are Antioxidant Ingredients?

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Mirabilis Jalapa has antioxidant characteristics.

Antioxidants neutralize harmful molecules caused by pollution, UV radiation, and stress that can damage skin cells. Antioxidants can help reduce inflammation and redness. Antioxidant ingredients are also used in skincare products to keep skin healthy and youthful, extend the shelf life of food and beverages, and prevent the breakdown of active ingredients in medications.

Types of Antioxidants Ingredients

Here are some of the most common types of antioxidants ingredients in cosmetics and other products:

  • Vitamins: Certain vitamins, such as vitamins C, E, and A (retinol), are known for their antioxidant properties.

  • Botanical extracts: Many plants contain natural antioxidants that can be extracted and used in cosmetics. Examples include green tea, grape seed, pomegranate, and chamomile.

  • Peptides: Certain peptides, such as glutathione, can have antioxidant properties and may be used in cosmetics.

  • Carotenoids: Carotenoids are pigments found in plants that have antioxidant properties. Some examples include lycopene, beta-carotene, and astaxanthin.

What Are Astringent Ingredients?

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Mirabilis Jalapa has astringent characteristics.

Astringent ingredients in cosmetic products shrink or tighten the skin and reduce oiliness. This results in a temporary reduction in the appearance of pores and an overall smoother, firmer skin texture. Astringents can also help to remove excess dirt and oil from the skin, making it feel clean and refreshed. They are commonly found in toners, cleansers, and other skincare products targeted toward oily or acne-prone skin.

Types of Astringent Ingredients

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

  • Tannins: These are plant-based compounds that have astringent properties. They are found in various natural ingredients like witch hazel, oak bark, and tea leaves.

  • Alcohols: Certain types of alcohol, like ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, and denatured alcohol, are commonly used in cosmetics as astringents. These alcohols can dissolve oil and reduce the appearance of pores.

  • Essential oils: Certain essential oils like lemon, lime, and grapefruit are known for their astringent properties. These oils help to tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of pores.

  • Clay: Certain types of clay, like kaolin and bentonite, have astringent properties. These clays help to absorb excess oil and impurities from your skin.

What Are Skin Conditioning Ingredients?

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Mirabilis Jalapa 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?

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Mirabilis Jalapa 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 Skin-Protecting Ingredients?

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Mirabilis Jalapa has skin-protecting characteristics.

Skin-protecting ingredients are typically added to cosmetic products to help protect your skin from various environmental elements that can cause damage. When your skin is exposed to these elements, it can lead to things like premature aging, dark spots, and even skin cancer. That's why protecting your skin as much as possible is essential. Skin-protecting ingredients can be a great addition to your skincare routine. They can help prevent damage to your skin and keep it healthy and youthful for years to come.

When purchasing a cosmetic product with skin-protecting ingredients, it's good to pay attention to the type of protection it offers. For example, if you're looking for a product for sun protection, you'll want to confirm it contains SPF. If you're looking for a product to also help prevent premature aging, look for one that contains antioxidants.

Types of Skin-Protecting Ingredients

Here are some of the most common types of skin-protecting ingredients:

  • Sunscreen agents: Sunscreens are designed to protect the skin from harmful UV rays from the sun. Some sunscreen products contain avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, and homosalate.

  • Emollients: Emollients help moisturize and soften the skin while providing a protective barrier. Examples of common emollients include glycerin, petrolatum, and dimethicone.

  • Humectants: Humectants help attract and retain skin moisture. Common humectants used in cosmetics include hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and urea.

  • Ceramides: Ceramides help to strengthen the skin's barrier function, which can help to protect the skin. Common synthetic ceramides used in cosmetics include ceramide 3 and ceramide 6-II.

  • Antioxidants: Antioxidants can help protect the skin by neutralizing harmful molecules that can cause oxidative damage. This damage can lead to premature aging, dryness, wrinkles, and other skin issues.

  • Anti-inflammatory agents: These ingredients help reduce inflammation and irritation in the skin, which can help improve the skin's appearance and overall health.

Safety

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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.