Ivy in cosmetic use

When used topically in cosmetic and skincare products, ivy has a decongesting, as well as toning effect and also acts as a penetrating medium. It has anti-fungal, anthelmintic and molluscicidal properties.

Ivy is used in the following of our products Cellumend Anti-Cellulite Cream

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• General information on ivy in cosmetic use
• Classification of Ivy extract

General information on ivy in cosmetic use

Not only does ivy help to boost the blood circulation, but it also tones and tightens the skin, while helping to remove waste products and fatty build-ups.

The constituents of ivy are triterpenoid saponins, (comprising hederagenin glycosides, hederacoside C (5%) alpha and ß-hederin) andoleanolic acid glycosides, hederacoside, phenolic acids, flavonoids, malic acid and fatty acids. It further contains rutin and nicotifloroside in the flavonoids that are part of the phenolic compounds, as well as caffeic and chlorogenic acids.

The active ingredients in ivy, including the saponosids, help other ingredients in a product to be absorbed by the skin.

They also help the lipids (fatty contents) stocked in the adipocytes (fat cells) to go back into the blood stream and to be either used as a source of energy or be eliminated.

The saponosids are natural surfactants, which help relieve congestion in the lymphatic system and make lipids soluble. They will therefore improve the elimination of cell metabolism residues and wastes.

This plant has great anti-fungal, anthelmintic, molluscicidal, anti-mutagenic, as well as cellulite control properties. Topical applications of ivy-based products are indicated for use in anti-cellulite and weight loss preparations and their emollient and itch-relieving properties are indicated for use in skincare products. ^{REF 37}

In folk remedies, the ivy plant has become known as a herbal ingredient for treatment of cellulite and is included in anti-fat remedies and treatments.

The active ingredients are the triterpenic saponins, which are found in all parts of the plant. The hederin (hederine) is also an active saponin, and is responsible for blood vessel protection and decreases permeability, while helping to reabsorb the edemas present in the initial stages of cellulite.

Classification of Ivy extract

Hedera helix extract is an extract of the stems and leaves of the ivy, Hedera helix. It is classified as a biological product and is used as a miscellaneous skin-conditioning agent. It is also known as ivy extract.

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