Amaranthus Mangostanus Extract: What Is It, Cosmetic Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: June 23, 2025
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All information on this page is verified using publicly available nomenclature standards and reference materials from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) and the European Commission's CosIng database. Our analyses are based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Amaranthus Mangostanus Extract?

Amaranthus Mangostanus Extract comes from the whole Amaranthus mangostanus plant, a leafy species in the amaranth family long valued as a nutritious vegetable. The plant is rich in natural sugars, proteins, amino acids and trace minerals that help it hold moisture and stay resilient under harsh sun. These same components make the extract a useful skin care ingredient.

Traditional herbal practices in parts of Asia and South America have used amaranth leaves to soothe dry or irritated skin. Modern formulators took note of these folk uses in the late twentieth century and began testing standardized extracts for cosmetics. Today manufacturers soak the cleaned plant in a mix of water and food grade solvents, then filter and concentrate the liquid. The result is a clear to light-amber fluid that blends easily into water-based or emulsion formulas.

You will most often spot Amaranthus Mangostanus Extract in hydrating sheet masks, lightweight facial serums, everyday moisturizers, calming after-sun gels and age support creams where a gentle plant-derived conditioner is desired.

Amaranthus Mangostanus Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This extract is prized for its primary role as a skin conditioning agent, meaning it helps keep skin feeling smooth, supple and healthy looking.

By supplying moisture-binding sugars and amino acids it supports the skin’s natural barrier, lessens the tight feeling that comes with dryness and leaves a soft finish without heaviness. Its mild antioxidant content can also help maintain a fresh appearance over time.

Who Can Use Amaranthus Mangostanus Extract

This extract is gentle enough for most skin types including normal, dry, combination and sensitive skin because it supplies lightweight hydration without pore-clogging oils or strong actives. Very oily or acne-prone users can usually tolerate it as well since it has a light consistency and no comedogenic fats, though individual reactions can differ.

The ingredient is plant derived with no animal by-products so it is suitable for both vegans and vegetarians. Manufacturing typically involves water and food grade solvents rather than animal-sourced processing aids.

Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals are not known to face special risks from topical Amaranthus Mangostanus Extract. Available data show no hormone activity or common irritants, yet this is not medical advice. Anyone who is expecting or nursing should review new skincare products with a qualified healthcare professional to be safe.

The extract does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and has no documented photosensitising compounds. It also carries no scent of its own so it is a good option for those avoiding added fragrance.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Side effects and reactions to the topical application of Amaranthus Mangostanus Extract can vary from person to person. The points below list potential issues only and are unlikely for the average user when the ingredient is properly formulated.

  • Mild redness or stinging in very sensitive skin
  • Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals allergic to amaranth or related plants
  • Itching or small hives if applied to broken or compromised skin
  • Increased irritation when layered with strong exfoliating acids or retinoids
  • Contamination-related reactions if the product is stored improperly or past its shelf life

If you experience any of these effects discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0 / 5

Amaranthus Mangostanus Extract is water based and contains virtually no heavy oils or waxes that could block pores. Its main components are small sugars, amino acids and trace minerals that rinse cleanly from the skin so it carries a negligible risk of forming comedones. This makes it well suited to people who are prone to acne or frequent breakouts.

Because the extract is usually added at low levels in formulas other ingredients in the product are more likely to influence pore clogging than the extract itself.

Summary

Amaranthus Mangostanus Extract is a plant derived skin conditioner that helps skin stay smooth and hydrated by delivering moisture grabbing sugars and amino acids while offering a mild boost of antioxidant support. It does this without adding weight or greasy residue so most skin types can enjoy a softer healthier feel.

The extract is still a niche botanical compared with big names like hyaluronic acid yet it is quietly gaining fans in clean beauty circles thanks to its gentle profile and vegan origin.

Current research and real world use point to a strong safety record with very few reports of irritation or allergy. Even so it is smart to perform a quick patch test when trying any new product that contains this ingredient just to be safe.

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