Question 1

What does Nepeta Cataria do in a cosmetic formula?

Accepted Answer

This ingredient is used as a botanical extract or aromatic component, usually for fragrance, skin-conditioning, or soothing-positioned product claims. Its exact role depends on whether the supplier material is an aqueous extract, glycerin extract, oil, or distilled aromatic fraction.

Question 2

Is Nepeta Cataria clean?

Accepted Answer

Clean-beauty standards generally view this ingredient as acceptable when it is a simple botanical preparation with clear extraction solvents and preservative disclosure. The main watchpoints are fragrance-allergen sensitivity, batch variability, and higher irritation potential when used as a concentrated aromatic material.

Question 3

Is Nepeta Cataria sustainable?

Accepted Answer

This material is plant-derived and renewable, and its naturally occurring constituents are expected to be broadly biodegradable. Sustainability depends on farming practices, extraction method, solvent choice, and whether the supply chain uses cultivated rather than wild-harvested material.

Question 4

Is Nepeta Cataria COSMOS-approved?

Accepted Answer

It can align with COSMOS-natural or COSMOS-organic when sourced from the plant and processed through permitted methods such as drying, infusion, distillation, or extraction with approved solvents. From a Green Chemistry view, it fits best when made with water, ethanol, glycerin, or low-impact physical processing and supported by responsible agriculture.

Question 5

How does Nepeta Cataria work chemically?

Accepted Answer

This ingredient is a complex botanical material that may contain iridoid monoterpenes such as nepetalactone isomers, plus terpenes, phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins depending on plant part and extraction method. Typical use is low, often under 5% for botanical extracts and much lower for concentrated aromatic fractions, with stability influenced by light, oxygen, heat, and the preservation system.