Sea asparagus extract

 

Introduction

Sea asparagus is native to the endless mudflats of the North Sea and Baltic Sea, as well as the Mediterranean region and the Atlantic coast. Its official name is glasswort (Salicornia herbacea) and it belongs to the amaranth family (Amaranthaceae).

The name sea asparagus has a logical explanation, as the annual, succulent salt plants with their fleshy, leafless shoots do indeed resemble asparagus in appearance. In addition, they are the only salt marsh plants that cannot survive without a regular supply of salt. At low tide, however, they are sometimes forced to sit on dry land for a certain period of time. Their ability to retain large amounts of water makes them resistant to dehydration. Nevertheless, their lifespan is limited. The vegetation cycle always ends when the concentration of salt in the plant becomes so high that it is fatal. Sea asparagus loves salty, moist or even wet locations on sand or silt that can be flooded from time to time. It is an important source of food for geese: here in Europe, the plants are mainly eaten by barnacle geese and brent geese.

However, many varieties of sea asparagus are also edible for us humans and are a real delicacy. This is especially true of European samphire, which is quite salty but still tasty and has a slightly peppery flavor. In the Netherlands and Great Britain, it is even available in many supermarkets. Raw, blanched, or briefly sautéed, it tastes delicious in salads or as a side dish with fish and meat. For some time now, sea asparagus extract has also been obtained from the plant, which is very interesting for cosmetic use.

 

 

Sea asparagus extract in cosmetics

Sea asparagus extract is rich in valuable ingredients, as the roots of the plant reach not only into the sea, but also into the clay that surrounds the salt flats. The Sea asparagus extract therefore contains all the nutrients and minerals found in both seawater and clay.

Particularly noteworthy are sodium (important for cell health), potassium (regulates water balance), magnesium (ensures the smooth functioning of our muscles), iron (for oxygen transport in our cells), zinc (for healthy skin and mucous membranes), manganese (a deficiency often leads to impaired wound healing and immune deficiency), sulfur (has a detoxifying effect and is involved in the formation of many enzymes and proteins), calcium (for healthy bones and teeth), and phosphorus (important for energy metabolism and cell health). The plant is also a natural source of iodine, which has a high biological value. Iodine is one of the essential trace elements. Our body needs it for the formation of thyroid hormones, among other things.

In addition, 100 grams of sea asparagus contain the following nutrients: 0.6 grams of fat, 4.4 grams of carbohydrates, 6.8 grams of fiber, and 2.6 grams of protein.

Sea asparagus is usually harvested by hand starting in May, and it is mainly the fresh tips that are processed. Due to its exceptional composition, sea asparagus extract is now considered a high-tech active ingredient. It activates urea synthesis in the epidermis, thereby stimulating the natural moisture mechanism. In this way, the moisture reserves are optimally replenished and the sea asparagus extract strengthens the hydrolipid barrier. The skin is effectively protected against dehydration and roughness. Ultimately, sea asparagus extract helps the skin to help itself. Several scientific studies have also shown that sea asparagus extract can have an antioxidant effect. It is therefore able to prevent oxidative damage to our cells. This is particularly interesting in connection with premature skin aging, as the extract protects the skin from harmful environmental influences.

Sea asparagus extract is particularly interesting as an ingredient in creams and lotions for dry and mature skin. It is also very suitable for men’s skin care, especially after shaving. Other uses for sea asparagus extract include hand and foot care products.

Sea asparagus extract is generally very well tolerated in cosmetic formulations. Caution is only advised when consuming the wild vegetable. Due to its very high iodine content, people who are hypersensitive to iodine or suffer from hyperthyroidism should refrain from using sea asparagus in cooking. The same applies to people suffering from renal insufficiency, as sea asparagus can stimulate kidney activity. However, according to current knowledge, these precautions do not apply to cosmetic use in the form of sea asparagus extract.

 

 

Sea asparagus extract profile

Genus: Salicornia

Family: Amaranthaceae (Amaranthaceae)

INCI: Salicornia Herbacea Extract

CAS number: 91845-47-5

EINECS/ELINCS number: 295-221-4

Ingredients: Sodium, potassium, iodine, magnesium, calcium, sulfur, phosphorus, iron, manganese, copper, zinc

Effect: antioxidant, stimulates the skin’s natural moisture mechanism, protects against dehydration, improves the skin barrier

 

 

Below we have listed 2 active ingredients that we recommend:

Actismart™ SW Glasswort

Actismart™ SW Glasswort is a modern, plant-based active ingredient that is obtained using a particularly sustainable extraction technology. The extract is based on Salicornia herbacea and contains a broad spectrum of valuable phytoactive substances. It can visibly improve the appearance of the skin, has antioxidant properties, and supports a balanced, resilient skin barrier.

Due to its moisture-retaining and regenerating properties, Actismart™ SW Glasswort is ideal for care products designed to revitalize dry, tired, or environmentally stressed skin. The active ingredient is particularly versatile in the eye area, but can also be used in anti-aging formulations, aftershave products, serums, and sunscreens. The recommended concentration is 1–5%.

GUARDIANT® – Skin Barrier Booster for Men’s Skin

GUARDIANT® is an active ingredient based on Salicornia herbacea that has been specially developed for the needs of men’s skin. Men’s skin is often more stressed, whether from regular shaving or external environmental influences. GUARDIANT® supports the strengthening and repair of the skin barrier, accelerates regeneration processes, and ensures significantly improved moisture supply.

The active ingredient promotes the formation of important epidermal structural proteins such as involucrin, transglutaminase-1, and cornified envelope. These are crucial for the strength and protective function of the stratum corneum. This makes the skin more resistant, smoother, and more supple. Especially after shaving, GUARDIANT® helps to soothe irritated skin and restore the natural cell structure.

Thanks to its high content of natural moisturizers such as minerals, betaine, and amino acids, GUARDIANT® contributes to a vital, fresh complexion. The active ingredient is ideal for aftershave products, soothing care creams, and modern men’s care concepts. The recommended dosage is 1–5%.

 

 

High-quality cosmetics with sea asparagus extract from Cosmacon

Modern cookbooks already refer to sea asparagus as a local superfood. No wonder, since this salty wild vegetable is full of valuable ingredients. These are also very interesting for sophisticated cosmetic formulations, as sea asparagus extract strengthens the skin barrier and protects against dehydration and harmful oxidative stress. Offer your target group high-quality cosmetics with sea asparagus extract: Cosmacon GmbH will be happy to support you in the development and implementation!

 

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