Althaea Rosea Callus Culture 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 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 Althaea Rosea Callus Culture Extract?

Althaea Rosea Callus Culture Extract comes from the hollyhock plant, a flowering member of the mallow family. Scientists take a small sample of the plant’s tissue, place it in a nutrient-rich medium and encourage it to grow into a soft mass called a callus. This controlled, sterile process lets manufacturers collect plant material year-round without relying on harvest seasons or pesticides. The callus is then broken down, filtered and concentrated into an extract suited for skin care.

Hollyhock has a long folk history for soothing irritated skin, which piqued the interest of modern formulators. By moving to callus culture technology, they can capture a consistent profile of sugars, amino acids and protective antioxidants that occur naturally in the plant. The extract is now seen in moisturizers, hydrating serums, sheet masks and anti-aging creams where a gentle, calming touch is desired.

Althaea Rosea Callus Culture Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This ingredient is prized for one main function in cosmetics: skin conditioning. It helps skin feel softer, smoother and better hydrated. By forming a light, comforting layer on the surface, it supports the skin barrier, eases dryness and leaves the complexion looking refreshed and healthy.

Who Can Use Althaea Rosea Callus Culture Extract

Thanks to its gentle, water-binding nature, this extract suits almost every skin type. Dry, sensitive or mature skin often benefits most because of the extra hydration and calming feel it provides. Oily and breakout-prone skin can also tolerate it well since the ingredient is lightweight and not known to clog pores. There are no specific concerns for darker skin tones or reactive skin other than the rare chance of a personal allergy.

The extract is plant-derived and produced in a laboratory setting without animal input, so it is considered appropriate for vegans and vegetarians.

No current data show that Althaea Rosea Callus Culture Extract poses a risk to women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should ask a healthcare professional before adding new skincare products.

The ingredient does not increase photosensitivity. Standard daytime sun protection is all that is needed.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Reactions to topical Althaea Rosea Callus Culture Extract vary from person to person. The points below cover potential side effects that could occur, though most users experience none when the ingredient is properly formulated and used as directed.

  • Allergic contact dermatitis (redness, swelling or itching)
  • Mild stinging or burning on highly reactive skin
  • Rare rash in individuals sensitive to plants in the mallow family

If irritation, rash or any unexpected reaction develops, stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0 / 5

Althaea Rosea Callus Culture Extract is water based, light and free of heavy oils or waxes that can block pores. It sits on the skin as a thin moisturizing film then rinses or absorbs away without leaving a residue, so it earns the lowest possible score.

Because of this zero rating the extract is considered suitable for people prone to acne or frequent breakouts.

Real-world performance still depends on the full formula. If the product also contains rich butters or comedogenic oils the overall rating could rise, but the extract itself remains non-pore-clogging.

Summary

Althaea Rosea Callus Culture Extract is mainly a skin-conditioning agent that makes skin feel smooth, calm and hydrated. Natural sugars and amino acids draw in water, antioxidants help fend off daily environmental stress and the lightweight film supports the skin’s barrier.

It is gaining quiet traction in moisturizers and sheet masks, especially in Korean beauty lines, yet it is not as mainstream as aloe or chamomile. Its gentle profile, vegan origin and year-round supply make it appealing to formulators looking for fresh plant actives.

Overall safety is high with only rare allergy reports. Still, everyone’s skin is different so it is wise to patch test any new product that lists this extract before full use.

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