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Iceland Moss Extract (Cetraria Islandica Extract): Fumarprotocetraric Acid and Lichenan from the Lichen Thallus

The Iceland Moss Extract from CONIUNCTA® (INCI: Cetraria Islandica Extract) is obtained from Cetraria islandica. Despite its name, it is a lichen: the literature data in our CDS refer to the dried thallus as the starting material. We offer the liquid extract in three water-based carrier variants, with Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol or Propylene Glycol, each in conventional quality. For formulators and product developers, the raw material is interesting for two reasons: all variants are suitable for cosmetics, and the Glycerin variant can additionally be used in food supplements. Below, we summarize what our technical documents record regarding markers, activity profile, carriers and regulatory aspects. From dried thallus to aqueous extract According to the TDS, purified water serves as the extraction solvent. Regardless of the chosen carrier variant, the extract content is approx. 30 %. Specifically, this means: 1 kg of CONIUNCTA® extract contains the hydrophilic constituents of approx. 30 g of dried plant parts. The extract thus represents the water-soluble spectrum of the starting material, which is then incorporated into the respective carrier. For the starting material itself, the CDS refers to the Lichen islandicus monograph of the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.) as well as literature data according to Kartnig (1987). These references form the basis for the marker data we explain in the next section. For buyers, this transparent derivation is helpful because it makes clear which data underlie the content figures. Fumarprotocetraric acid: calculated lead marker with a traceable derivation The CDS lists fumarprotocetraric acid as the primary marker. In the product, its calculated content is 0.2 to 1.1 mg/g. The note in the data sheet is important: this value is calculated and not analytically determined. It is derived from the literature content of the dried material, stated as 1 to 4 %. For orientation, the CDS also provides an example calculation: at a use level of 3.5 %, the formulation contains 7.4 to 37.8 µg/g fumarprotocetraric acid. These figures are well suited for estimating the marker input in a formulation, but do not replace batch-specific analytics. In addition to the primary marker, the CDS documents further compounds: Protolichesterinic acid (no content stated) Lichenan, literature content 10 to 30 % in the dried thallus Isolichenan (no content stated) For correct interpretation: the percentage for lichenan refers to the dried material, not to the finished extract. Standardization to any of these compounds is not documented. Conditioning and balancing: the documented cosmetic profile For cosmetics, the CDS literally states the effect “Skin conditioning, antioxidant”. “Conditioning” and “Balancing” are listed as supported claim areas. The target “General skin health” mentioned in the document serves, according to the CDS, solely as mechanistic background and is explicitly not a product claim. For communication on the finished product, it is also crucial that claims must be substantiated independently by the finished product manufacturer in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 655/2013. From a regulatory perspective, the CDS states that the extract is suitable for cosmetics under Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009; the safety assessment is carried out by the responsible person for the finished product. The CDS also identifies the raw material as suitable for vegan formulations. The use concentration for cosmetics documented in the CDS and TDS is 2 to 5 % and applies to all three variants. Our technical team will clarify specific formulation and dosage questions individually. Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol or Propylene Glycol: the carriers compared All three variants contain approx. 30 % extract, but differ in composition, INCI declaration and regulatory scope: Glycerin variant: approx. 70 % glycerin (anhydrous, ≥ 99.5 %) and approx. 30 % extract. INCI of the overall product: Glycerin, Cetraria Islandica Extract. The only variant suitable for both cosmetics and food supplements. Pentylene Glycol variant: aqueous-glycolic system with approx. 50 % water, approx. 30 % extract and approx. 20 % Pentylene Glycol. INCI (EU): Aqua, Pentylene Glycol, Cetraria Islandica Extract. Suitable for cosmetics. Propylene Glycol variant: approx. 40 % water, 30 % extract and 30 % Propylene Glycol. INCI: Aqua, Propylene Glycol, Cetraria Islandica Extract. Suitable for cosmetics, explicitly not food grade according to the TDS. In practice, the choice of carrier mainly determines two points: which accompanying substances appear in the INCI list of the finished product, and whether the raw material can also be used in a food supplement line. Anyone wishing to cover both cosmetics and food supplements with the same raw material can, based on the documentation, only do so with the Glycerin variant. An overview of further extracts on this carrier can be found in our collection Glycerin Extracts. Food supplements: Novel Food status of the Glycerin variant In the food sector, Iceland Moss Extract is limited to food supplements and to the Glycerin carrier variant. According to the Novel Food Catalogue, Cetraria islandica is not novel in food supplements; the corresponding entry is POL-NF-00232 (Cetraria islandica, Whole). As the effect in the food sector, the CDS literally lists “Traditional dietary ingredient”. The CDS does not give a percentage use recommendation for food; the information reads “use level on request”. According to the SDS, allergen labelling under FIC Regulation 1169/2011 is the responsibility of the food business operator. Other food categories outside food supplements are not covered by the documentation. Safety data, storage and documentation for QA and regulatory According to the SDS, the extract is not a hazardous substance within the meaning of the CLP Regulation (Regulation (EC) 1272/2008): no pictogram, no signal word, no H or P statements. However, the data sheet contains a note relevant to the safety assessment: lichen acids (e.g. usnic acid) are contact allergens, and sensitization through skin contact is possible in sensitized individuals. Further key data from the SDS: WGK 1 (slightly hazardous to water) for all carrier variants, storage class LGK 12 (non-combustible liquids), not dangerous goods under ADR/RID, IMDG and IATA. As a mixture, the product is not subject to REACH registration; the extract is exempt under Annex V No. 8. For handling, the SDS specifies safety goggles according to EN 166. The shelf life is 24 months. The TDS specifies dry storage at 10 to 30 °C in the original sealed container, the SDS tightly sealed storage at 15 to 25 °C. Temperature-dependent colour changes may occur during storage. Should turbidity or precipitation occur, filtration is required, which does not affect the quality of the product. Values for pH (25 °C) and relative density as well as details on colour and odour are given in the batch-specific CoA. We provide the TDS, SDS and CDS via our Technical Documentation page. Request samples, data and advice Iceland Moss Extract is one of our classic plant extracts. For selecting the right carrier variant, questions about use in food supplements or about the documentation, our technical team is available at info@coniuncta.com or +49 911 47715370. All variants, pack sizes and data sheets can be found directly on the product page: View Iceland Moss Extract in the CONIUNCTA® shop. CONIUNCTA® – Raw materials, data and services for future-proof formulations.