What Is Cicer Arietinum Sprout Extract?
Cicer Arietinum Sprout Extract comes from the young shoots of the chickpea plant, a legume long valued as a food staple in many parts of the world. When chickpeas are allowed to sprout they develop higher levels of amino acids, small peptides, vitamins B and C, and antioxidants that help defend the plant as it grows. These same nutrients are what give the extract its appeal for skin care.
The idea of using chickpea sprouts in beauty formulas gained traction in the last decade as brands searched for new plant based actives that fit the “clean beauty” trend. Researchers found that the sprouted form carries more skin-friendly molecules than the dried seed, leading to its inclusion in modern creams and serums.
To make the ingredient, non-GMO chickpea seeds are soaked, allowed to germinate under controlled light and humidity, then harvested at peak sprout. The moist plant material is blended with water or a water-glycerin mix, gently heated, then filtered to remove solids. The liquid is concentrated, standardized for key nutrients, and preserved so it stays stable in a finished product.
You are most likely to see Cicer Arietinum Sprout Extract in daily moisturizers, hydrating serums, sheet masks, eye creams and leave-on anti-aging treatments where its conditioning traits support a smooth, soft feel.
Cicer Arietinum Sprout Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In skin care formulas this ingredient is valued for one main role.
Skin conditioning: The mix of amino acids, sugars and vitamins in the extract helps draw water to the surface layers of skin and hold it there, giving an immediate plumping effect while smoothing rough patches. Regular use can improve softness and support a healthy looking barrier, making skin feel supple and comfortable.
Who Can Use Cicer Arietinum Sprout Extract
This gentle plant extract suits most skin types. Dry and mature complexions benefit from its water-binding amino acids while normal and combination skin enjoy the lightweight hydration without a greasy feel. Because it is non-comedogenic and free from heavy oils it is generally fine for oily or acne prone skin too. Sensitive skin rarely reacts since the sprout extract contains no added fragrance or common irritants.
As a botanical ingredient it is fully vegan and vegetarian friendly; the sprouting and extraction steps involve only plant matter water and food-grade solvents with no animal derivatives.
The extract has no known hormonal activity so it is considered low risk for pregnant or breastfeeding women, yet this is not medical advice. Anyone expecting or nursing should show the full product ingredient list to a healthcare provider before use just to stay on the safe side.
Cicer Arietinum Sprout Extract does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight so there is no special need for extra sun precautions beyond a daily broad-spectrum SPF.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Cicer Arietinum Sprout Extract differ from person to person. The issues listed below are only potential outcomes and are unlikely for most users when the ingredient appears in a well-formulated product.
- Allergic contact dermatitis
- Mild temporary redness or stinging upon application
- Isolated breakouts if the overall formula is too occlusive for the user’s skin
- Stickiness when layered with multiple humectant-rich products
If you experience any discomfort swelling or persistent irritation stop using the product and seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0-1
This sprouted chickpea extract is delivered in a water or water-glycerin base and is composed of lightweight amino acids, peptides and vitamins that do not leave an oily film, so it sits at the very low end of the clogging scale.
Safe for skin that is prone to acne or breakouts.
If the finished formula also contains rich oils or waxes the overall product could still be heavy, so always glance at the full ingredient list.
Summary
Cicer Arietinum Sprout Extract conditions skin by drawing in and holding water through its blend of amino acids, sugars and antioxidants, leaving the surface soft, smooth and comfortably hydrated.
Though chickpeas are common at the dinner table the sprout extract is still a relatively niche cosmetic add-on, appearing mostly in clean beauty moisturizers, serums and masks rather than every mainstream lotion.
Data so far points to it being gentle, non irritating and non comedogenic for most users, yet it is wise to patch test any new product to confirm personal compatibility before full-face use.