Alysicarpus Vaginalis 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
Share:
Inside this article:

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 Alysicarpus Vaginalis Extract?

Alysicarpus Vaginalis Extract is a plant based ingredient obtained from the whole Alysicarpus vaginalis plant, a small herb in the pea family that grows in tropical and subtropical regions. The plant contains a mix of natural sugars, amino acids and antioxidant flavonoids that help it retain moisture and protect itself from environmental stress. Traditional folk practices in parts of Asia and Africa used the fresh plant for soothing minor skin discomfort, which caught the attention of modern formulators looking for gentle botanical actives. To make the cosmetic grade extract, harvested aerial parts are cleaned, dried and finely milled, then soaked in a water-glycerin or water-alcohol solution that pulls out the beneficial compounds. After filtration and concentration the liquid is standardized for consistency and preserved for stability. You will most often see Alysicarpus Vaginalis Extract in hydrating masks, daily moisturizers, lightweight lotions and after-sun gels, as well as in calming serums aimed at sensitive or easily irritated skin.

Alysicarpus Vaginalis Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This botanical is valued in formulas for its skin conditioning ability. By delivering plant-derived sugars and amino acids it supports the skin’s natural moisture barrier, helping it feel soft, smooth and comfortable. Regular use can improve overall texture, reduce the feeling of tightness after cleansing and leave the complexion looking refreshed and healthy.

Who Can Use Alysicarpus Vaginalis Extract

Alysicarpus Vaginalis Extract is gentle enough for all skin types, including dry, normal, combination and oily. Its lightweight water-glycerin profile means it will not weigh down oily skin yet still brings welcome moisture to drier complexions. Sensitive skin usually tolerates the extract well because it lacks strong acids or fragrances that often trigger redness. The only group that may need extra caution is anyone with a known allergy to plants in the pea family, since cross reactions are possible.

The extract is plant derived and no animal by-products are involved in its harvesting or processing, making it suitable for both vegetarians and vegans.

Current safety data shows no specific issues for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when the extract is used topically in standard cosmetic concentrations. This is not medical advice and expectant or nursing mothers should show any new skin care product to their doctor just to be safe.

The ingredient does not contain photosensitizing compounds, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. Normal daily sun protection is still recommended for overall skin health.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Reactions to topical Alysicarpus Vaginalis Extract differ from person to person. The points below list potential side effects that could occur, though most users will not experience them when the ingredient is properly formulated and used as directed.

  • Localized redness or flushing
  • Mild itching or tingling
  • Transient stinging on application, especially if skin is already compromised
  • Dry patches if used in a very high concentration without accompanying moisturizers
  • Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to the Fabaceae plant family

If any discomfort or visible irritation develops stop using the product and consult a qualified healthcare professional or dermatologist.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1/5. Alysicarpus Vaginalis Extract is supplied in a light water or water-glycerin base and contains virtually no fatty acids or heavy oils that could block pores. The plant sugars and amino acids are water soluble so they rinse cleanly and sit lightly on the skin. This makes the extract unlikely to aggravate clogged pores or blackheads. Suitable for acne-prone and breakout-prone skin.

Because the extract is often combined with other ingredients, overall pore-clogging potential depends on the full formula, not just this single component.

Summary

Alysicarpus Vaginalis Extract functions primarily as a skin conditioner. Its natural blend of sugars, amino acids and antioxidant flavonoids supports the moisture barrier, smooths texture and leaves skin feeling soft and comfortable. It does this by binding water to the stratum corneum and providing soothing nutrients that help reduce tightness.

The ingredient is still a niche botanical rather than a mainstream superstar, but formulators interested in gentle plant actives are starting to add it to hydrating masks, daily creams and calming serums, so you may notice it popping up more often.

Safety data, along with its low comedogenic rating, shows the extract is well tolerated for most users. As with any new skincare ingredient it is smart to perform a quick patch test when trying a product that contains Alysicarpus Vaginalis Extract just to be on the safe side.

Was this article helpful?
More from Glooshi:
ADVERTISEMENT
Get all our top headlines in beauty.
Delivered right to your inbox each week. Zero spam, all goodness, opt-out at anytime.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Get the latest beauty news, top product recommendations & brand-exclusive discount codes direct to your inbox.
Send good feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Send bad feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Search