News

Black Orchid Extract (Cycnoches Cooperi Extract): Glucomannan Polysaccharides for Moisture-Promoting Skincare

Black Orchid Extract, with the INCI name Cycnoches Cooperi Extract, is a botanical extract derived from the orchid Cycnoches cooperi, intended exclusively for cosmetic formulations. CONIUNCTA® offers it as a liquid extract in three carrier variants: standardised in glycerin, in an Aqua/Propylene Glycol system, and in an Aqua/Pentylene Glycol system. As a conventional quality, the extract is aimed at formulators who wish to combine moisture-promoting and conditioning activity profiles with an exclusive orchid raw material. Cycnoches cooperi: an orchid as a cosmetic raw material The Black Orchid Cycnoches cooperi provides the source matrix for this extract. CONIUNCTA® uses a water-based extraction process to obtain the extract fraction, which is then transferred into the respective standardisation medium. The extract is of plant origin and suitable for vegan formulations. It can therefore be incorporated into concepts where a botanical character and a clear raw material origin are paramount. Glucomannan and other documented compounds The documented active constituents are centred on polysaccharides, in particular glucomannan. The CONIUNCTA® data sheet states an indicative content of 3.7 to 11 mg/mL; the literature content in the dried drug is given in the data sheet as 15 to 35 percent. In addition, phenanthrenes at levels of 0.01 to 0.1 percent have been described in several related orchid species. This polysaccharide fraction forms the analytical basis for the moisture-related properties of the extract. Documented activity profile for skincare The CDS lists several cosmetically relevant properties for Black Orchid Extract: moisturising, moisture-promoting, conditioning, astringent, balancing, elasticity support, and anti-ageing. The extract is therefore well suited to formulations aimed at moisture-focused and smoothing care. All statements refer to cosmetic applications in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. Three carrier variants for different systems The glycerin variant contains approx. 70 percent glycerin and approx. 30 percent extract fraction, and requires no glycol co-solvent. The Propylene Glycol variant is formulated as an Aqua/Propylene Glycol blend, and the Pentylene Glycol variant as an Aqua/Pentylene Glycol system (approx. 50 percent water, approx. 30 percent extract, approx. 20 percent Pentylene Glycol). Regardless of variant, the extract content is around 30 percent. This allows the most suitable carrier base to be matched to the existing formulation system. Specifications, usage and handling The extract appears as a clear to amber-coloured liquid (amber to light brown) with a density of 1.03 to 1.06. The recommended use concentration stated in the shop is 0.5 to 3 percent; the product-specific TDS specifies a range of 2 to 5 percent. Shelf life is 24 months when stored dry between 10 and 30 °C in the original sealed container. According to the SDS, the product is not classified as a hazardous substance under Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008. The extract is free from fragrance allergens subject to declaration under Annex III of Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 and is intended exclusively for the cosmetics industry, not for food use. Note: Depending on storage temperature, colour changes or turbidity may occur; filtration is possible in such cases and does not affect quality. Documentation and enquiry For a well-founded evaluation, CONIUNCTA® provides technical documentation (TDS, SDS and CDS); specific batch values for pH, relative density and refractive index can be found in the respective CoA. Black Orchid Extract and other botanical rarities are available in our Orchid Extracts collection. Those wishing to learn more about our extraction process will find further information on our AVE Technology page. A complete overview is also available in our product list. For samples, data and product-specific consultancy, please contact us: View Black Orchid Extract in the CONIUNCTA® shop. CONIUNCTA® – Raw materials, data and services for future-ready formulations.