Brassica Oleracea Capitata Juice: 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 Brassica Oleracea Capitata Juice?

Brassica Oleracea Capitata Juice is the natural liquid squeezed from common cabbage leaves. Cabbage belongs to the Brassicaceae family, the same plant group as broccoli and kale. The juice is rich in vitamins such as C and K, minerals like potassium and calcium, and small molecules known as polyphenols that act as antioxidants. Folk beauty routines have long used fresh cabbage leaves to soothe skin after sun exposure or shaving. Modern formulators picked up on these soothing traits in the early 2000s, when gentle, plant sourced actives gained popularity. To make the cosmetic grade juice, fresh heads of cabbage are washed, shredded, pressed and then filtered. The liquid can be pasteurized or cold processed, depending on the brand’s preference, to keep its nutrients intact while removing microbes. You will spot Brassica Oleracea Capitata Juice in sheet masks, calming gels, lightweight moisturizers, after-sun lotions and some anti aging serums that focus on antioxidant support.

Brassica Oleracea Capitata Juice’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

In formulas this ingredient is valued mainly for its skin conditioning ability. It helps soften the outer layer, boosts moisture retention and leaves the surface feeling smooth and refreshed. By supplying antioxidants and trace minerals, it can also help the skin look more lively and even toned after use.

Who Can Use Brassica Oleracea Capitata Juice

This juice is generally friendly to all skin types including dry, normal, combination and oily because it is light and water based. Sensitive skin usually tolerates it well thanks to its soothing minerals and antioxidants. The only group that may want to be cautious is anyone with a known allergy to cabbage or other cruciferous vegetables because a reaction is possible even when used on the skin.

The ingredient is plant derived with no animal by-products so it fits vegan and vegetarian lifestyles.

No research flags Brassica Oleracea Capitata Juice as unsafe for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Still this is not medical advice and expecting or nursing mothers should ask their doctor before adding any new cosmetic product to their routine.

The juice does not make skin more sensitive to the sun and has no known conflicts with common actives such as retinol or acids. It is also fragrance neutral which makes it easy to layer with other products without scent clash.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Responses to topical Brassica Oleracea Capitata Juice differ from person to person. The points below outline potential effects that could occur, but most users will not experience them when the ingredient is formulated and stored correctly.

  • Mild redness or stinging on very sensitive skin
  • Allergic reaction in people with a cabbage or Brassicaceae allergy
  • Contact dermatitis if applied to broken or freshly shaved skin
  • Rare clogged pores or small breakouts when used in a heavy or improperly preserved formula
  • Unpleasant odor or color change that signals product spoilage which can irritate skin

If you notice any of these effects stop use right away and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0–1. Brassica Oleracea Capitata Juice is almost entirely water with trace vitamins minerals and antioxidants, containing virtually no oils that could block pores. Because it lacks heavy lipids or waxes it is very unlikely to foster blackheads or whiteheads.

Generally suitable for skin that is prone to acne or breakouts.

If the final formula pairs the juice with rich emollients or is poorly preserved the product as a whole could still feel heavy or spoil and then aggravate blemishes, so check the complete ingredient list and use-by date.

Summary

Brassica Oleracea Capitata Juice conditions skin by delivering lightweight hydration, softening rough spots and offering antioxidant support that helps the complexion appear calm and lively. It achieves this through its natural mix of water soluble vitamins minerals and polyphenols.

The ingredient is a quiet achiever rather than a headline act, found in select sheet masks, soothing gels and clean beauty creams where formulators want gentle plant power without added oil.

Overall it is considered safe with minimal risk aside from possible Brassicaceae allergies. As with any new skincare item perform a small patch test first to ensure your skin responds well.

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