What Is Brassica Napus Stem Extract?
Brassica Napus Stem Extract comes from the stalks of the rapeseed plant, a yellow-flowered crop also grown for canola oil. While the seeds are prized for cooking oil, the sturdy stems were once mostly left behind after harvest. Researchers found that these stems hold helpful plant fats and moisture-binding sugars, so they began turning this agricultural by-product into a useful cosmetic ingredient.
To make the extract, cleaned rapeseed stems are dried, ground into small pieces then soaked in a food-grade solvent or water. The liquid pulls out the fatty acids, waxes and natural sugars. After filtration the solvent is removed and the remaining concentrate is refined into a smooth, light-colored ingredient ready for creams and lotions.
First explored in the 1990s as a natural alternative to mineral oil, Brassica Napus Stem Extract now appears in face and body moisturizers, nourishing masks, hand creams, after-sun gels and leave-in hair conditioners. Its plant origin and gentle feel make it a popular choice for formulas that aim for a soft, hydrated finish.
Brassica Napus Stem Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In products, this ingredient mainly works as an emollient that supports smooth skin feel.
As an emollient Brassica Napus Stem Extract spreads easily over the skin to fill in tiny surface gaps, leaving a soft, supple touch. It helps trap water in the upper layers of skin which can reduce dry, rough patches and improve overall comfort. Because it is lightweight it delivers this moisture without a greasy after-feel, making it suitable for both rich night creams and quicker-absorbing day lotions.
Who Can Use Brassica Napus Stem Extract
This gentle plant extract is generally suitable for all skin types. Dry and mature skin benefit from the softening layer it provides while normal and combination skin appreciate its quick-absorbing feel. Even oily or blemish-prone skin tends to tolerate it well because the texture is light and non-greasy. People with very reactive or highly sensitive skin usually do fine with it since it contains no added fragrance or harsh solvents, though individual tolerance can vary.
Because it is derived from the stems of the rapeseed plant and contains no animal material, Brassica Napus Stem Extract is appropriate for both vegetarians and vegans. It is also a good fit for shoppers looking for plant-based or more sustainably sourced ingredients.
No specific warnings exist for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. The ingredient has no known hormone-like activity and is applied only to the skin, not ingested. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run any skincare product past a qualified health professional to be safe.
The extract does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight so it does not increase the risk of sunburn or hyperpigmentation. It also plays well with most other common skincare actives, including vitamin C, niacinamide and retinol.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical Brassica Napus Stem Extract can vary from person to person. The points below outline potential issues yet most users will not experience them when the ingredient is properly formulated in a finished product.
- Mild skin irritation such as slight redness or itching in those with very sensitive skin
- Allergic contact dermatitis in the rare case of an individual allergy to rapeseed or related plants
- Clogged pores or breakouts in people who are extremely acne-prone and react to any occlusive agent
- Eye discomfort if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
If any unwanted reaction occurs stop using the product and seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen.
Comedogenic Rating
Comedogenic rating: 1 out of 5. Brassica Napus Stem Extract is mostly made up of lightweight plant lipids and sugars that sit on the surface to soften skin without creating a heavy, pore-blocking film. In most formulations it spreads thinly and absorbs well so it is unlikely to trigger blackheads or whiteheads for the average user. It is therefore generally suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin, though exceptionally reactive or oily individuals could still notice congestion if multiple rich ingredients are layered.
Because the extract is often used at low to moderate levels alongside faster-absorbing carriers, its overall impact on pore clogging remains minimal. Texture and purity can vary by supplier, so very thick unrefined grades may feel heavier than the refined versions commonly used in finished cosmetics.
Summary
Brassica Napus Stem Extract is a plant-derived emollient that smooths the skin surface, adds softness and helps limit moisture loss by forming a light occlusive layer. Its fatty acids and natural sugars deliver these benefits without a greasy after-feel, making it adaptable for face creams, body lotions and even hair care.
While not as famous as shea butter or jojoba oil the extract is gaining quiet popularity among formulators who want a sustainable upcycled ingredient that feels elegant on the skin. Consumers looking for plant-based or eco-conscious options may notice it appearing more often on ingredient lists.
Safety data show it is well tolerated with a very low risk of irritation or allergy. Still every skin is unique so it is wise to patch test any new product that contains Brassica Napus Stem Extract before full use.