Sterocare

Sterocare, red clover for mature skin

Sterocare is a water-glycolic extract of red clover flowers, Trifolium pratense, made in France for mature skin care. Its INCI is Trifolium Pratense (Clover) Flower Extract, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Lecithin. The extract is water-soluble, yellow to amber and used at up to 3% in the finished product. Red clover is a natural source of isoflavonoids, plant compounds popular in care for skin that has become thinner and less firm with age. The smallest pack is 0.33 oz (10 mL).

About the pH

The supplier sheet does not list a pH for the concentrate. It goes into ordinary skin care bases, so set the finished product in the range your preservative and thickener need, usually around pH 5.0 to 6.0 for face creams, and confirm each lot on its certificate of analysis. Measuring the finished cream after adding the extract is always a good check.

What it does for mature skin

The supplier positions Sterocare for skin that looks thinner and less dense. The cosmetic benefits are firmer and denser looking skin, a smoother surface with less visible wrinkles, a more lifted feel and better hydration. Claims should stay visual and sensory.

Face, neck and body

Age care creams for mature skin, lifting serums and density-focused products are the core. Eye contour creams use lower levels in light emulsions. Bust and decollete creams use it for a firmer looking neckline, and hand creams suit thin, mature skin.

Processing and partners

Add Sterocare to the water phase or at cool-down and stir until even. Pair it with adenosine for smoother looking wrinkles and hyaluronic acid liquid for moisture. For a dry form of the same plant, see the red clover extract powder. More plant extracts are listed in our botanical extracts section.