Tea tree oil
a valuable base ingredient of Ingenya cosmetic line
History: Melaleuca Alternifolia is a genus of plants in the myrtle family Myrtaceae, native to Australia. Tea tree oil is taken from the leaves. Captain Cook and his mariners discovered it in 1770: they prepared a drink infusion with its leaves, but this plant has not to be confused with the beverage tea. Aborigines have been using the crushed leaves for centuries to treat wounds.
The first news about the medicinal use of Melaleuca Alternifolia appeared in 1930 on the “Medical Journal of Australia”: a surgeon in Sidney quoted unexpected results achieved by using a tea tree oil based solution. Nowadays, tea tree oil has been shown to have many properties, confirmed by many medical and university studies, especially by the University of Western Australia.
Among all the compounds contained in the oil, terpinen-4-ol is responsible for most of the antimicrobial activity, while 1,8-Cineole is responsible for the typical fragrance.
Properties(2)
Tea tree oil is active against the most part of infective agents.
Antimicrobial agent: Tea tree oil appears to be effective against the most common bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus.
Antifungal agent: effective against Aspergillus favus, Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans, Malassezia furfur.
Recent studies support a role for the topical application of tea tree oil in skin care and for the treatment of various skin diseases and conditions(3).
Furthermore, Tea tree oil is effective against mites, fleas and ticks. Ectoparasites die when they inhale the active principles of tea tree oil.
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OTHER NATURAL INGREDIENTS USED FOR INGENYA PRODUCTS
Eucalyptus: refreshes, sooths itching and controls odors, thanks to its fresh sent.
Mint: the strong, sharp scent of mint is sometimes used as a mild decongestant . A common use is as an anti-itch remedy, especially in insect bite treatments. Calms and soothes hot spots. It has a strong purifying and invigorating action on the skin.
Olive oil: perfect to treat delicate, dry, dehydrated, chapped and sensitive skins, thanks to its emollient, softening and balancing action.
Olive cores : they perform a mechanical scrub action for a deep cleaning, while enhancing the emollient, softening and balancing properties of olive oil.
Sage : purifies, controls odors and shows possible uses as astringent; it was found to be effective in promoting cicatrization and healing of wounds.
Zinc oxide : its healing, protective and refractive action soothes irritated skin and reduces excessive sebaceous secretion
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Soy : his high biological value has a deep moisturizing and nourishing action.
Hamamelis : calms and soothes irritations caused to the eyes by dust, pollution and other environmental agents.
Mallow : its extract is specially recommended for sensitive skins. Protects, softens, refreshes and soothes skin and mucous membrane irritations.
Wheat germ: it is a concentrated source of several essential nutrients including Vitamin E that performs an antioxidant action in cells, controls the formation of free radicals and prevents skin ageing. The pure oil is obtained by the cold pressure of the tiny seed part from which wheat sprouts. Its nourishing and moisturizing effect on the skin is immediately visible.
Honey and propolis : Propolis is another medical marvel from the beehive. Research shows it offers antiseptic, antibiotic, antibacterial, antifungal and even antiviral properties. Propolis demonstrates strong antimicrobial properties against various bacterial and fungal infestations. This action is due to caffic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE).
(5)(6)(7)(8)
Rice oil : the oil extracted from rice contains a natural anti-UVA filter that protects the skin from the harmful sunrays. Gamma oryzanol is the natural filter. It has a soothing and emollient action.
Thyme : it has been known for its antiseptic properties for centuries. It contains thymol, a strong bactericide.
Jojoba oil: this oil is different from all the other seed oils due to the absence of glycerin. It doesn’t consist of a fat, but of a liquid wax. It is extremely emollient. It strengthens, nourishes and moisturizes the skin and the fur deeply.
Clay: this mineral compound consists mainly of silica, alumina, iron, magnesium, potassium. It absorbs oily substances and water.
Oat: it is recommended for sensitive skins, due to its refreshing and emollient action. It contains very nourishing proteins and lipids that protect the skin deeply with a softening, moisturizing and nourishing film.
