Engelhardtia Chrysolepis Leaf Extract Ottimo Antiossidante Anti-age Engelhardtia Chrysolepis Leaf Extract at a glance Wild plant extract whose trees are native to China Contains antioxidant compounds that soothe and neutralise damaging radicals Plays a role in helping to maintain skin’s firmness and resiliency Strengthens skin’s barrier so it resists water loss Engelhardtia Chrysolepis Leaf Extract description _Engelhardtia chrysolepsis_ leaf extract is a China-native wild plant extract whose antioxidant components help skin resist losing a firm feeling. It works on skin’s surface by neutralising numerous types of damaging molecules known as free radicals that would otherwise go on to impair collagen-producing cells known as fibroblasts, which are present in skin’s lower layer. _Engelhardtia chrysolepsis_ also can help interrupt a process known as glycation, in which rogue sugar molecules attack and weaken skin’s surface lipids, impairing its barrier and eventually impacting skin’s underlying support. This makes it a particularly valuable ingredient for those looking to maintain resiliency, a lifted look and generally help skin maintain a more youthful appearance. Astilbin, one of the soothing antioxidants in this plant, has been shown to improve the adhesion of tight junction proteins on skin’s surface, a benefit which strengthens skin’s barrier, helping it resist water loss. Usage levels in cosmetics is 3% when present in a blend with butylene glycol. The plant itself works beautifully in amounts much lower than that, 0.03%. There are no safety or irritancy concerns for this ingredient, although as with any plant extract, an allergic reaction, while unlikely, is possible.