Question 1

What does Botanical extracts do in a cosmetic formula?

Accepted Answer

This material is usually a skin-conditioning additive, used to bring antioxidant, soothing, astringent, color, or scent-related properties depending on the source. It is typically a secondary active or claim-support ingredient rather than a structural emulsifier, surfactant, or preservative.

Question 2

Is Botanical extracts clean?

Accepted Answer

From a clean-standard perspective, this category is generally acceptable, but judgment depends on the exact species, solvent system, preservative package, allergens, and residual pesticides or heavy metals. Sensitization potential varies widely, especially with aromatic or phenolic-rich materials.

Question 3

Is Botanical extracts sustainable?

Accepted Answer

These materials are usually renewable, with footprint driven by cultivation, irrigation, land use, wild-harvest controls, transport, and the solvent or carrier used. Many are biodegradable, but concentrated aromatic fractions, slow-growing crops, or poorly documented sourcing can weaken the profile.

Question 4

Is Botanical extracts COSMOS-approved?

Accepted Answer

It can be permitted under COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic when the source, processing aids, solvents, carriers, and preservatives meet the standard. It aligns best with Green Chemistry when sourced from renewable biomass, processed with water, glycerin, ethanol, or oils, and supplied with traceability and contaminant controls.

Question 5

How does Botanical extracts work chemically?

Accepted Answer

This is not a single molecule; it is a complex mixture of water-soluble or oil-soluble constituents such as polyphenols, flavonoids, sugars, acids, terpenes, pigments, and minerals, depending on the raw material and solvent polarity. Typical leave-on use levels often range from 0.1% to 5% as supplied, with stability shaped by pH, light, heat, oxidation, microbial control, and compatibility with emulsifiers, electrolytes, and preservatives.