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Mate Extract (Ilex Paraguariensis Leaf Extract): Caffeine and Chlorogenic Acid from the Mate Leaf for Cosmetics and Food Supplements

Mate, botanically Ilex paraguariensis, provides the leaf used as the starting material for CONIUNCTA® Mate Extract with the INCI Ilex Paraguariensis Leaf Extract. The extract is obtained with purified water and then standardized in three carrier systems: glycerin, propylene glycol/water and pentylene glycol/water. The product is available in conventional quality. For cosmetic formulators, the extract is of particular interest because of its documented caffeine primary marker and its chlorogenic acid rich accompanying profile. For product developers in the food supplement sector, there is also the glycerin variant, which according to the data sheet is intended for food supplements. Caffeine as primary marker: calculated contents instead of measured values The CDS lists caffeine from the group of purine alkaloids as the primary marker of Mate Extract. A content of 168 to 540 µg/g in the product is stated. Important for context: this is a calculated value, not a measured one. It is based on the literature content of the herbal drug of 0.8 to 2 % caffeine (Heck & de Mejia 2007). For a formulation with 3.5 % extract, the CDS calculates 5.9 to 18.9 µg/g caffeine. The reference basis is relevant for interpreting these figures: according to the product facts, 1 kg of CONIUNCTA® extract contains the hydrophilic constituents of approx. 30 g of dried plant parts, while the composition of all variants is stated with an extract fraction of approx. 30 %. The calculated caffeine values should therefore be understood as literature-based guidance. Our technical team will be happy to answer questions about the calculation basis. Chlorogenic acid, theobromine and saponins: the accompanying profile of the mate leaf In addition to caffeine, the CDS names further compounds, each as literature values relating to the dried plant: chlorogenic acid at 3 to 8 %, theobromine at 0.3 to 1 %, saponins without quantity specification and essential oil at 0 to 0.1 %. These figures describe the plant starting material, not a standardized content in the extract. The CDS assigns cosmetic functions to the individual compounds: chlorogenic acid is described as antioxidant, saponins as surfactant and soothing. For caffeine, the CDS names, among others, the function energizing in the cosmetic context. The mate leaf thus combines a phenolic acid with a high literature content, two purine alkaloids and a saponin fraction in a water-based extract. Cosmetic claim areas according to the CDS For cosmetics, the CDS lists the following claim areas: Astringent Antioxidant protection Balancing Glow / radiance Pore-refining Skin-plumping Note on documentation: skin-plumping is listed in section 4 of the CDS but is missing from the summary in section 7. The CDS states a use concentration of 2 to 5 % for cosmetic applications. Suitability under the Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 is stated in the CDS; according to the product facts, it applies to all three variants. Three water-extracted variants: composition and INCI compared All three variants are based on extraction with purified water and contain an extract fraction of approx. 30 %. They differ in carrier system, INCI declaration and regulatory scope of use: Glycerin variant: standardized in anhydrous vegetable glycerin (≥ 99.5 %), composition approx. 70 % glycerin and approx. 30 % extract fraction. INCI: Glycerin, Ilex Paraguariensis Leaf Extract. According to the TDS, a light yellow to brown, clear liquid with a characteristic odor. The only variant suitable for food supplements. Propylene glycol variant: standardized in propylene glycol/water, composition approx. 40 % water, approx. 30 % extract and approx. 30 % propylene glycol. INCI: Aqua, Propylene Glycol, Ilex Paraguariensis Leaf Extract. Intended for cosmetics. Pentylene glycol variant: aqueous-glycolic standardization, composition approx. 50 % water, approx. 30 % extract and approx. 20 % pentylene glycol. INCI: Aqua, Pentylene Glycol, Ilex Paraguariensis Leaf Extract. According to the TDS, not food grade and therefore exclusively for cosmetics. The variants thus differ mainly in the resulting INCI list, the water content of the raw material and whether the food supplement sector is covered in addition to cosmetics. pH value and relative density are item-specific for each carrier variant and are stated in the CoA, not in the TDS. According to the specification, the color ranges from light yellow to brown. Our technical team will clarify individually which variant suits a specific development project. You can find further water-soluble extracts in our overview of glycerin extracts. Mate in food supplements: novel food status and caffeine labeling In the food sector, use is clearly limited: exclusively in food supplements and exclusively with the glycerin variant. The CDS does not state a percentage use level; it is provided on request. According to the CDS, validation in the respective product is recommended. According to the CDS, the extract is considered not novel in food supplements within the meaning of the Novel Food Regulation (reference POL-NF-00428). Since caffeine is the primary marker, the CDS refers to caffeine labeling under Regulation (EU) 1169/2011, Annex III, No. 4. Checking the labeling obligation for the respective end product is the responsibility of the party placing it on the market. Safety data sheet, allergens and storage According to the SDS, the mixture is not classified as hazardous under the CLP Regulation (EC) 1272/2008: no pictograms, no signal word, no H or P statements. It contains no PBT or vPvB constituents and no endocrine disruptors at 0.1 % or above. The self-classification WGK 3 (severely hazardous to water according to AwSV) applies to all carrier variants; the product must not enter the sewage system. It is not dangerous goods under ADR/RID, IMDG or IATA and not a marine pollutant. As an extract, the mixture is exempt under REACH Annex V No. 8. For handling, the SDS specifies safety goggles according to EN 166; respiratory protection is only required if aerosols are formed. According to the CDS, fragrance allergens under Annex III are calculated to be below the labeling threshold of 10 mg/kg for leave-on products, with a maximum of 1.5 mg/kg at 5 % use. A previous eugenol declaration (TDS Rev. 13.0) has been withdrawn. According to the CDS, the extract is suitable for vegans. The shelf life is 24 months when stored dry between 10 and 30 °C in the original sealed container; the SDS states a storage temperature of 15 to 25 °C. Temperature-dependent color changes may occur during storage. In case of turbidity or precipitation, filtration is required, which has no effect on the quality of the product. Documentation and inquiries We provide TDS, SDS and CDS via our technical documentation; batch-specific values such as pH and density are contained in the respective CoA. You can find Mate Extract in our range of classic plant extracts. Our technical team will answer specific formulation and dosage questions at info@coniuncta.com or by phone at +49 911 47715370. View Mate Extract in the CONIUNCTA® shop CONIUNCTA®: raw materials, data and services for future-proof formulations.