Lycoris Aurea 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: July 1, 2025
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We verify all information on this page using publicly available nomenclature standards from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), the European Commission's CosIng database and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Lycoris Aurea Extract?

Lycoris Aurea Extract comes from the golden spider lily, a flowering plant in the amaryllis family that grows across East and Southeast Asia. The whole plant is harvested and soaked in a mix of water and food grade solvents to draw out its active parts, then the liquid is filtered and gently dried to make a concentrated extract. Chemists value this extract for its natural mix of sugars, plant acids and a group of mild alkaloids such as lycorine that help skin feel soft and calm. Folk beauty traditions in China and Japan once used crushed bulbs of Lycoris species in skin pastes, and modern formulators picked up on that heritage in the early 2000s when they started adding standardized extracts to soothing creams. You will most often spot Lycoris Aurea Extract in leave-on products like daily moisturizers, brightening masks, lightweight serums and after-sun gels where a smooth comfortable finish is key.

Lycoris Aurea Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

In skin care Lycoris Aurea Extract is prized for one main role: skin conditioning. By helping skin hold water and smoothing the surface it supports a soft touch and a fresh look. Its mild plant sugars pull moisture into the outer layer while its alkaloids keep irritation in check so the skin barrier stays strong. This mix makes the extract a handy addition to formulas aimed at boosting suppleness and giving a rested glow, especially in products designed for daily use or for skin that feels tight after cleansing.

Who Can Use Lycoris Aurea Extract

Because Lycoris Aurea Extract is mainly a soothing skin conditioner it generally suits all major skin types, including oily, combination, normal and dry. Its light humectant action adds water without leaving an oily film, which means even acne-prone or easily congested skin tends to tolerate it well. Extremely sensitive or highly reactive skin may still wish to introduce the ingredient slowly, as the natural alkaloids, while calming for most people, could be a trigger for a very small minority.

The extract is derived entirely from a plant source with no animal additives so it is appropriate for vegans and vegetarians. Products that keep the overall formulation free from animal-derived stabilizers or fragrances will carry the same cruelty-free appeal.

Current research shows no specific issues for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when the extract is used topically at the low percentages found in cosmetics. This is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should run the product past a qualified health professional to be certain it aligns with their personal circumstances.

The ingredient is not known to cause photosensitivity and there is no evidence that it interferes with common actives such as retinoids or vitamin C. Standard daytime sun protection habits remain advisable for overall skin health.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Responses to topical Lycoris Aurea Extract differ from person to person. The points below outline potential but uncommon reactions. When the ingredient is formulated and used correctly most people will not notice any of these effects.

  • Transient redness or warmth shortly after application
  • Mild stinging on very freshly exfoliated or compromised skin
  • Contact dermatitis in individuals allergic to amaryllis family plants
  • Temporary dryness if used in a formulation with a high percentage of alcohol

If any discomfort, rash or persistent irritation appears stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1 / 5 (very low)
Lycoris Aurea Extract is mostly made up of water soluble plant sugars and trace alkaloids, with virtually no heavy oils or waxes that could block pores. This keeps its comedogenic potential minimal, earning it a 1 rather than a perfect 0 because any botanical carries a small chance of residue build-up in very sensitive skin. In practical terms the extract is considered suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts. Keep in mind the finished product’s overall recipe matters; if the extract is blended into a rich balm packed with comedogenic oils the rating of that final formula will be higher.

Summary

Lycoris Aurea Extract acts mainly as a skin conditioner that softens, hydrates and soothes. Its natural sugars draw water into the outer layer, while mild alkaloids calm redness and help the barrier stay resilient, giving skin a smooth rested look. The ingredient is still a niche player compared with headline botanicals like aloe or green tea but it has been gaining quiet traction in modern moisturizers and calming serums thanks to its gentle profile and vegan origin.

Safety reviews and real-world use point to a low risk of irritation or pore clogging when the extract is used at common cosmetic levels. Even so, skin is personal so it is wise to patch test any new product that lists Lycoris Aurea Extract near the top of the ingredient list before applying it all over the face.

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