Softening, 100 ml

Softening (ENNACOMPLEX 262): The Gentle Embrace of Botanical Soothing

Introducing Softening, also known as ENNACOMPLEX 262, a premium botanical liquid extract from the United Kingdom. This exquisitely crafted blend of Calendula, Chamomile, Linden, Cornflower, and St. John's Wort extracts is your ultimate solution for creating incredibly gentle and skin-friendly cosmetic formulations. With its excellent water solubility and a versatile inclusion rate of 1-10%, Softening is designed to impart unparalleled comfort, calmness, and suppleness to the skin, making it an indispensable asset for sensitive and delicate skin types.

Description and Key Features

Softening (ENNACOMPLEX 262) is a sophisticated, clear liquid complex meticulously formulated by Ennagram. It harnesses the time-honored soothing and protective properties of a carefully selected synergy of plant extracts:

• Calendula Extract (Calendula Officinalis): Renowned for its strong anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties, it’s excellent for calming irritated or compromised skin.
• Noble Chamomile Extract (Chamomilla Recutita/Anthemis Nobilis): A classic soothing agent, ideal for reducing redness and discomfort in sensitive skin, while also possessing mild astringent qualities.
• Linden Extract (Tilia Cordata): Known for its emollient and moisturizing benefits, it helps to soften the skin and provide a protective barrier.
• Cornflower Extract (Centaurea Cyanus): Particularly beneficial for sensitive skin around the eyes, it offers soothing and anti-inflammatory effects.
• St. John's Wort Extract (Hypericum Perforatum): Valued for its skin-calming, restorative, and mild analgesic properties, making it excellent for stressed or delicate skin.

This potent blend is water-soluble, ensuring easy integration into a wide array of aqueous cosmetic bases without affecting stability or clarity. It’s an ideal choice for formulators seeking to enhance the soothing and comforting properties of their products naturally.

Versatile Applications and Usage Areas in Cosmetics

The comprehensive soothing and skin-conditioning profile of Softening (ENNACOMPLEX 262) makes it exceptionally versatile for a wide range of cosmetic applications, particularly those aimed at sensitive, delicate, or irritated skin:

• Skincare for Face and Body:
  • Sensitive Skin Formulations: An essential ingredient for products targeting sensitive, reactive, or easily irritated skin, such as gentle cleansers, soothing toners, calming serums, and hypoallergenic moisturizers. It helps to reduce discomfort, redness, and tightness.
  • Baby and Children's Products: Due to its gentle nature, it's perfect for formulations like baby lotions, diaper creams, bath washes, and gentle massage oils, providing comfort and protection for delicate skin.
  • Post-Procedure/After-Sun Care: Excellent for after-sun lotions, post-shave balms, or creams used after dermatological procedures, where its soothing and restorative properties help accelerate recovery and alleviate irritation.
  • Eye Creams and Gels: Particularly beneficial for sensitive eye areas, helping to reduce puffiness and soothe tired eyes without causing irritation.
  • Facial Masks: Adds a powerful soothing punch to calming or hydrating face masks, enhancing their ability to leave the skin feeling soft and comfortable.
• Hair Care Products:
  • Sensitive Scalp Shampoos and Conditioners: Incorporate into formulas designed for irritated or itchy scalps, providing a calming effect and reducing discomfort.
  • Leave-in Scalp Treatments: Ideal for soothing scalp tonics or serums that aim to alleviate dryness or irritation.
• Bath and Shower Products:
  • Gentle Shower Gels and Bath Soaks: Elevate the calming experience of bath and shower products, making them ideal for sensitive skin or for a relaxing evening routine.
  • Liquid Hand Soaps: Adds a softening and soothing element to hand washes, especially beneficial for frequently washed or dry hands.
• Children's Personal Care:
  • Beyond baby products, it can be used in gentle shampoos, conditioners, and body washes for older children, ensuring their developing skin remains soft and protected.

By integrating Softening (ENNACOMPLEX 262), formulators can create products that not only cleanse and nourish but also actively comfort and protect the skin, making them highly desirable for consumers seeking gentle yet effective solutions.

Cosmetic Recipe: "Calm & Comfort" Soothing Facial Toner

Create a hydrating and incredibly soothing facial toner, perfect for sensitive skin, using Softening (ENNACOMPLEX 262).

Instructions for Preparation:

1. Sanitization: Thoroughly sanitize all your equipment (beakers, stirring rods, bottles) using isopropyl alcohol and allow them to air dry completely.
2. Combine Phase A: In a clean beaker, measure out the distilled water and glycerin. Stir gently until the glycerin is fully dissolved.
3. Incorporate Actives (Phase B): Add the Softening (ENNACOMPLEX 262), D-Panthenol, and Allantoin to the mixture. Stir well for several minutes to ensure all ingredients, especially the Allantoin, are completely dissolved and uniformly dispersed.
4. Add Preservative (Phase C): Add your chosen broad-spectrum preservative to the toner. Stir thoroughly for at least 2-3 minutes to ensure it's evenly distributed throughout the solution.
5. pH Adjustment (Recommended): Check the pH of your toner. For facial toners, a pH between 5.0 and 5.5 is generally ideal for skin compatibility and preservative efficacy. Adjust if necessary using a diluted solution of lactic acid (to lower pH) or baking soda solution (to raise pH), adding drop by drop and rechecking.
6. Final Transfer: Carefully pour the finished toner into a clean, sterile bottle with a spray top or a dispensing cap.

Recommendations for Use:

• Optimal Dosing: The recommended inclusion rate for Softening (ENNACOMPLEX 262) is 1-10%. For a soothing toner, 5% provides a good balance of efficacy and gentle formulation.
• Cold Process Friendly: Since Softening is a liquid and water-soluble, it can be easily incorporated into cold-process formulations, simplifying your manufacturing process.
• pH Stability: Ensure your final product's pH is within a range suitable for both skin and the stability of the botanical extracts (typically slightly acidic, around 4.5-6.5).
• Storage: Store the finished product in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures, to maintain the integrity of the botanical extracts and extend shelf life.
• Patch Test: Always conduct a small patch test on a discreet area of skin before full application, especially for individuals with known sensitivities.
• Enhancing the Experience: For a refreshing sensation, consider storing the finished toner in the refrigerator.
• Compatibility: Softening is generally compatible with most common cosmetic ingredients. However, always perform a small test batch to ensure stability and desired results when combining it with novel ingredients.