trace elements (micronutrients; oligoelements) are usually inorganic, are considered essential to plant and animal nutrition in trace concentrations. The value of their topical application through cosmetic preparations is not clear, although some sources indicate a potential moisturization value.
Micronutients, also known as trace elements, are
eight in number - Cl, Fe, Mn, B, Zn, Cu, Mo and Ni.
These are required in small or trace quantities and
perform a variety of essential functions in plant
metabolism. Most of them are constituents of
enzymes.
There are a few additional trace elements which are
non-essential but beneficial to plants. To this category
belong sodium, iodine, strontium, fluorine, vanadium
and bromine.
