What Is Cicer Arietinum Seed Extract?
Cicer Arietinum Seed Extract comes from the humble chickpea, a legume that has fed civilizations for thousands of years. While most people know chickpeas for their role in dishes like hummus, their seeds also hold proteins, starches, sugars and a mix of vitamins and minerals that can benefit skin and hair when applied topically. Cosmetic chemists capture these nutrients by first cleaning and milling dried chickpea seeds, then soaking them in a gentle solvent such as water or a water-glycerin mix. After filtration and concentration, the resulting liquid is a lightweight, plant-based extract ready for formulation.
The beauty world began exploring chickpea derivatives in the early 2000s as brands sought greener, food-grade ingredients that offer natural conditioning. Today you will spot Cicer Arietinum Seed Extract in leave-in hair treatments, nourishing shampoos, hydrating face masks, soothing moisturizers, and multi-tasking anti-aging creams.
Cicer Arietinum Seed Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This plant extract supports both skin and hair through two main functions.
- Hair conditioning: The proteins and sugars in chickpea seed extract form a lightweight film over hair strands. This film helps smooth the cuticle, reduces static flyaways and boosts softness without a heavy or greasy feel.
- Skin conditioning: On the skin it lends a soft, hydrated finish. Its natural sugars act as humectants that pull in water while its proteins can temporarily smooth the surface, giving a plumper look and a silkier touch.
Who Can Use Cicer Arietinum Seed Extract
Cicer Arietinum Seed Extract is gentle enough for most skin types. Its light texture suits dry, normal and oily skin because it hydrates without a greasy finish. Sensitive skin usually tolerates it well, though anyone with a known chickpea or legume allergy should steer clear as cross-reactivity is possible.
The ingredient is plant derived so it meets vegan and vegetarian standards. No animal by-products or animal testing are required to obtain the extract, making it a friendly option for cruelty-free shoppers.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women are not known to face special risks with topical use of chickpea extract. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should review new skincare products with a doctor to be extra safe.
The extract does not make skin more sensitive to the sun. Regular sun protection is still important but no extra precautions are needed solely because of this ingredient.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to any cosmetic ingredient differ from person to person. The effects listed below are possible but unlikely for the average user when products are formulated and used as directed.
- Allergic reaction – redness, itching or swelling in people allergic to chickpeas or other legumes
- Mild skin irritation – temporary stinging or burning if the formula contains a high concentration or is applied to broken skin
- Scalp buildup – in rare cases the film-forming proteins may weigh down very fine hair when used in leave-in products
- Contact dermatitis – prolonged irritation marked by dry flaky patches in those with compromised skin barriers
If any adverse reaction occurs stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Cicer Arietinum Seed Extract is water based and mainly composed of lightweight proteins and sugars that do not clog pores. It lacks heavy oils or waxes that normally raise the comedogenic score. A trace amount of natural lipids may be present, yet the level is too low to be a concern for most users.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin since the risk of pore blockage is minimal.
Formulas that blend this extract with richer oils could raise the overall comedogenicity, so always check the full ingredient list.
Summary
Cicer Arietinum Seed Extract conditions hair and skin by laying down a sheer film of plant proteins and sugars that smooth, soften and hold moisture. On hair it tames frizz and static while keeping strands light. On skin it draws in water for a plumper feel and a silky finish.
Though not as famous as ingredients like aloe or argan oil, chickpea seed extract is gaining traction in clean beauty lines that favor food-grade botanicals.
Topical use is considered very safe with low allergen potential except for people sensitive to chickpeas or legumes. As with any new product a quick patch test is wise to confirm your skin plays well with the formula.