Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract

Good

Plant extracts

Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract description

_Scutellaria baicalensis_ root extract comes from a flowering plant native to China, where it’s been used for years as one of the many herbal preparations within the field of Chinese medicine. In China, the extract is known as Huang-Qin or golden herb, because the root is a golden yellow colour. [br] [br] It’s primarily used in cosmetics for its promising ability to interrupt the creation and transfer of excess pigment; however, these scientific studies were done in vitro on skin cells, not intact skin on people struggling with dark spots, so what seems exciting in a lab setting may not hold as much promise for topical use. The other issue is the current lack of agreement on how much of this root extract is needed to visibly fade skin discolourations; some say 0.1% is enough, others recommend at least a 1% concentration is necessary, and some blends with this ingredient encourage amounts of 3-10% if the goal is visible improvement of skin colour. [br] [br] The root is more exciting because it contains baicalin, wogonoside, baicalein, wogonin, and oroxylin A, all of which are flavones, a type of antioxidant that lend colour to various plants and are known to be soothing. _Scutellaria baicalensis_ root can help skin better withstand environmental aggressors that can worsen the look of many common skin concerns, so it certainly has value. [br] [br] Testing on mouse, rabbit, and guinea pig skin revealed that a standardised extract of this ingredient is not irritating or sensitising, even when the skin was compromised. The conclusion was that _Scutellaria baicalensis_ is a viable option for sensitive skin struggling with signs of uneven skin tone or just in need of soothing.

Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract references

  • Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, September 2019, pages 1,353-1,369
  • PLoS One, February 2017, ePublication
  • Science Bulletin Beijing, July 2016, pages 1,391-1,398
  • Planta Medica, June 2013, pages 959-962
  • The Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, December 2011, pages 1,613-1,623

Peer-reviewed, substantiated scientific research is used to assess ingredients in this dictionary. Regulations regarding constraints, permitted concentration levels and availability vary by country and region.

Ingredient ratings

Best

Proven and supported by independent studies. Outstanding active ingredient for most skin types or concerns.

Good

Necessary to improve a formula's texture, stability, or penetration.

Average

Generally non-irritating but may have aesthetic, stability, or other issues that limit its usefulness.

Bad

There is a likelihood of irritation. Risk increases when combined with other problematic ingredients.

Worst

May cause irritation, inflammation, dryness, etc. May offer benefit in some capability but overall, proven to do more harm than good.

unknown

We couldn't find this in our ingredient dictionary. We log all missing ingredients and make continuous updates.

Not rated

We have not yet rated this ingredient because we have not had a chance to review the research on it.