BOTANICAL EXTRACT
Maté Leaf Extract
Ilex Paraguariensis Leaf Extract
An extract of the South American yerba maté leaf, naturally rich in polyphenols and xanthines, studied for its antioxidant activity in skin cell research.
Source
Yerba maté leaves
Used for
Skin and hair conditioning
How it works
The South American leaf behind a famous tea.
Maté (Ilex paraguariensis) is an evergreen holly native to South America, whose dried leaves are steeped to make yerba maté. The leaf extract carries the same naturally occurring compounds as the drink: phenolic acids, flavonoids, and xanthines such as caffeine and theobromine.
Research on yerba maté extract and kombucha ferments of it as cosmetic ingredients found strong free-radical scavenging (antioxidant) activity, and the extracts were well tolerated by skin cells. Applied to skin, the ferments were linked to long-lasting hydration.
Maté leaf extract suits daily use, morning or night, and sits naturally in fresh, lightweight formulas alongside other plant extracts.
Research on yerba maté extract and kombucha ferments of it as cosmetic ingredients found strong free-radical scavenging (antioxidant) activity, and the extracts were well tolerated by skin cells. Applied to skin, the ferments were linked to long-lasting hydration.
Maté leaf extract suits daily use, morning or night, and sits naturally in fresh, lightweight formulas alongside other plant extracts.
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Naturally rich in polyphenols and xanthines, including caffeine
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Showed strong antioxidant activity in laboratory testing
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Well tolerated by skin cells in the same research
Questions
What is maté leaf extract?
It is an extract of the leaves of Ilex paraguariensis, the South American holly whose leaves are used to make yerba maté. The EU's official cosmetic ingredient database lists the leaf extract with skin-conditioning, hair-conditioning and perfuming functions. (European Commission CosIng; Ziemlewska et al., 2021)
What compounds are in maté?
The leaves contain the same naturally occurring compounds as the drink: phenolic acids such as chlorogenic and caffeic acid, flavonoids, and xanthines, including caffeine and theobromine. Together they give maté extract its antioxidant activity. (Ziemlewska et al., 2021)
Is there research on maté for skin?
Yes. Research on maté extract and kombucha-fermented maté as cosmetic ingredients found that they scavenged free radicals and were well tolerated by skin cells, and the ferments were linked to longer-lasting skin hydration when applied to skin. (Ziemlewska et al., 2021)
About the plant
Maté, Ilex paraguariensis, is a tree of the holly family (Aquifoliaceae), native to South America, in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. (USDA GRIN)
Its leaves and stems are processed to make yerba maté, a popular tea-like drink produced and consumed in South American countries. The leaves are also the part used for the cosmetic extract. (Ziemlewska et al., 2021; European Commission CosIng)
Its leaves and stems are processed to make yerba maté, a popular tea-like drink produced and consumed in South American countries. The leaves are also the part used for the cosmetic extract. (Ziemlewska et al., 2021; European Commission CosIng)
The research
- Ziemlewska A, Nizioł-Łukaszewska Z, Bujak T, Zagórska-Dziok M, Wójciak M, Sowa I. Effect of fermentation time on the content of bioactive compounds with cosmetic and dermatological properties in Kombucha Yerba Mate extracts. Scientific Reports. 2021;11(1):18792. PMID: 34552134. (opens in a new tab)
- European Commission CosIng database: Ilex Paraguariensis Leaf Extract (functions: hair conditioning, skin conditioning, perfuming) (opens in a new tab)
- USDA Agricultural Research Service, GRIN-Global Taxonomy: Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil. (Aquifoliaceae), distribution and uses (opens in a new tab)
Found In
New
NewType: Face Care
Maté Leaf Clarifying Facial Wash
140mlRegular price £30.00Sale price Regular price
