Certain botanical extracts — and their derivatives — often appear with a numerical suffix. A formulation might include Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract (200:1), for example. This distinction carries significant implications for efficacy.
The number, in this context, indicates a concentration ratio. An extract designated as 200:1 means 200 parts of raw plant material were reduced to one part of concentrated extract. This yields a more potent active ingredient.
Such concentration is typically achieved through careful evaporation. The resulting liquid retains beneficial polysaccharides and amino acids in a compact form. Understanding these ratios clarifies a product’s true botanical potency.
Beyond concentration, numbers can denote specific molecular weights or polymerisation degrees in modified plant materials. Hydrolysed wheat proteins, for instance, are differentiated by molecular weight, impacting hair shaft penetration.
Many formulations prioritise cost-effective, lower-concentration extracts. Evera, conversely, often specifies highly concentrated extracts, ensuring plant efficacy is delivered without compromise. This commitment underpins our formulation philosophy.
Furthermore, numerical suffixes can point to specific grades or processing methods. A “cold-pressed” oil might be assigned a designation to differentiate it from a refined alternative. Such distinctions are critical for formulators aiming for purity.
The INCI — International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredient — system itself occasionally incorporates numbers. These are usually part of a compound name, like PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, where the number indicates average repeating ethylene glycol units.
These numbers are not arbitrary; they reflect precise chemical structures or processing parameters. For PEGs, the numeral directly impacts a compound’s hydrophilicity and its role as an emulsifier within a formulation.
Therefore, a numeric designation is rarely superfluous. It offers a precise snapshot of an ingredient’s origin, processing, or chemical structure, guiding formulators and discerning consumers towards effective botanical blends.
