Commiphora Myrrha Leaf Cell 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 24, 2025
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All information on this page is verified using The Personal Care Products Council's (PCPC) INCI database. Our ingredient analyses are based exclusively on PCPC's technical data to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Commiphora Myrrha Leaf Cell Extract?

Commiphora Myrrha Leaf Cell Extract comes from the cultured leaf cells of the myrrh tree, a hardy shrub native to the dry landscapes of Africa and the Middle East. While the aromatic resin of myrrh has been prized since ancient times for perfumes and skin salves, modern laboratories focus on the leaves, growing their cells in sterile, nutrient-rich vessels. Once the cells multiply, they are collected, broken apart and gently filtered to capture a concentrated mix of terpenoids, natural oils and antioxidant compounds. The result is a stable liquid or powder that slides easily into today’s cosmetic bases. Formulators add it to serums, moisturizers, masks, anti-aging creams and protective balms whenever they want a touch of botanical fragrance along with a soothing skin shield.

Commiphora Myrrha Leaf Cell Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This ingredient earns its place on labels for two main reasons

  • Fragrance: The natural volatile oils give products a warm, resinous scent that can replace or reduce synthetic perfumes, lending a more nature-inspired aroma to creams, lotions and oils
  • Skin protecting: The terpenoids and antioxidants form a light defensive film on the skin that helps limit moisture loss and shields against daily environmental stress, making formulas feel more comforting and supportive

Who Can Use Commiphora Myrrha Leaf Cell Extract

Commiphora Myrrha Leaf Cell Extract is generally well suited to most skin types, including normal, dry, combination and mature skin thanks to its mild protective action and light aromatic profile. Oily and blemish-prone skin can also use it because the extract is not known to clog pores or leave an occlusive film. Those with very sensitive or reactive skin should proceed with extra caution only because any botanical scent component might be perceived as an irritant on highly delicate skin.

The ingredient is plant derived and produced without animal by-products so it is considered appropriate for both vegans and vegetarians.

No specific data link Commiphora Myrrha Leaf Cell Extract to hormonal disruption or pregnancy related concerns. Still, out of an abundance of caution, anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding should run any skincare product containing this extract past a qualified healthcare provider first. This information is educational and not medical advice.

The extract is not known to increase photosensitivity, meaning it should not make skin more prone to sunburn. Ordinary daily sun protection is still recommended whenever you are outside.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Side effects from topical use of Commiphora Myrrha Leaf Cell Extract vary from person to person. The list below covers potential reactions but most users will not experience them when the ingredient is correctly formulated and used as directed.

  • Mild skin irritation such as redness or stinging in very sensitive individuals
  • Contact dermatitis in people allergic to myrrh or related botanical resins
  • Fragrance sensitivity headaches triggered by the extract’s natural aroma in scent-reactive users

If you notice any of these effects discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist for guidance.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1 / 5

Commiphora Myrrha Leaf Cell Extract is produced from leaf cells rather than heavy resin so its oil content is low and made up of smaller molecules that tend not to block pores. Current literature and supplier data do not report pore-clogging issues which justifies the low score.

With a rating of 1 it is generally considered suitable for skin that is prone to acne or breakouts.

Formulations that pair this extract with richer butters or waxes could raise the overall comedogenicity of a finished product so always look at the full ingredient list when choosing skincare.

Summary

Commiphora Myrrha Leaf Cell Extract adds a natural warm scent and a gentle protective shield to skincare. Its terpenoids, antioxidants and light oils help limit moisture loss while giving products a subtle botanical aroma.

The extract is not a mainstream superstar like hyaluronic acid or vitamin C but it appears more often in niche clean beauty lines that favor plant cell culture technology. Its mild character and low pore-clogging risk make it a versatile add-in for many formulas.

Safety profiles show few concerns aside from possible fragrance sensitivities so it is viewed as low risk for most users. As with any new skincare ingredient it is smart to perform a small patch test when you first try a product that contains it just to ensure your skin agrees.

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