Cibotium Barometz Oil: 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 Cibotium Barometz Oil?

Cibotium Barometz Oil is a plant-derived oil pressed from the underground stems of Cibotium barometz, a large tropical fern also known as the Scythian Lamb due to the wool-like hairs that cover its rhizomes. The oil contains a mix of nourishing fatty acids such as linoleic, oleic and palmitic acids along with small amounts of natural antioxidants that help protect the oil from going rancid.

The fern has been valued in parts of Asia for centuries where its rhizomes were dried and ground for soothing balms and hair tonics. As interest in botanicals grew in modern skin care, formulators began extracting the oil for its smoothing feel and gentle skin conditioning properties. Today most suppliers collect sustainably grown ferns, clean the rhizomes then use cold pressing or low-heat solvent extraction to pull out the golden oil. The oil is filtered to remove plant fibers and then refined to reduce scent while keeping its fatty acid profile intact.

You will usually find Cibotium Barometz Oil in moisturizers, night creams, soothing masks, barrier-repair serums and leave-on body lotions where a light yet cushioning skin feel is desired.

Cibotium Barometz Oil’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

The primary role of Cibotium Barometz Oil in personal care formulas is skin conditioning. Its blend of fatty acids forms a soft, breathable layer on the surface of the skin that helps smooth rough texture, reduce moisture loss and leave a supple finish. Because the oil is lightweight it absorbs without a greasy after-feel, making it a good match for daily moisturizers and sensitive-skin products.

Who Can Use Cibotium Barometz Oil

Cibotium Barometz Oil is generally well tolerated by most skin types. Its lightweight texture suits dry, normal and combination skin by adding softness without a greasy finish, and the gentle fatty acid profile makes it a calm choice for sensitive skin. People with very oily or acne-prone skin may still want to keep an eye on how their pores respond because any plant oil that contains a fair amount of oleic acid can occasionally feel too rich for skin already producing excess sebum.

The oil is extracted entirely from a fern so it is suitable for vegetarians and vegans. The traditional nickname “Scythian Lamb” comes from the plant’s woolly appearance rather than any animal origin.

No specific warnings exist for pregnant or breastfeeding women when Cibotium Barometz Oil is used topically in cosmetic amounts, but this is not medical advice. Anyone who is expecting or nursing should run the full ingredient list of their products past a qualified healthcare provider just to be safe.

The oil is not known to cause photosensitivity and does not make skin more prone to sun damage. It also plays well alongside common actives such as niacinamide, glycerin and ceramides, so formulators can slot it into most routines without concern.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Reactions to topical Cibotium Barometz Oil differ from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects, yet most users will not encounter them when the ingredient is sourced and formulated correctly.

  • Mild redness or stinging in very sensitive skin
  • Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals allergic to fern extracts
  • Clogged pores or breakouts in skin that is highly prone to acne
  • Rancid-oil irritation if the product has been stored poorly or is past its shelf life

If you notice any of these issues stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional for guidance.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 2 out of 5. Cibotium Barometz Oil contains a balanced mix of linoleic and oleic acid, which keeps it lighter than richer oils like coconut yet still richer than quick-drying oils such as grapeseed. This mid-range fatty acid profile means it can occasionally sit in pores if your skin naturally produces a lot of sebum, but most users will find it unlikely to trigger widespread congestion. In short, it is generally acceptable for acne-prone skin though very breakout-sensitive individuals may want to monitor how their skin reacts. The oil’s moderate absorption speed and low inherent irritant potential further support this middle-of-the-road rating.

Summary

Cibotium Barometz Oil is mainly prized for skin conditioning. Its blend of fatty acids forms a breathable cushion on the surface of the skin that smooths rough spots, reinforces the moisture barrier and leaves a soft satin finish without heavy greasiness. A dash of natural antioxidants helps keep the oil stable so it continues to perform these roles over time.

While not yet a headline ingredient like argan or jojoba, it has a growing niche presence in gentle moisturizers and barrier-repair formulas thanks to its pleasant skin feel and plant-based story.

Topically the oil is considered safe for most people when used in typical cosmetic concentrations, with only rare reports of irritation or allergy. As with any new product it is smart to patch test first so you can spot any personal sensitivities before applying it to larger areas.

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