What Is Ipomoea Pes-Caprae Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract?
Ipomoea pes-caprae, sometimes called beach morning glory, is a vine that naturally blankets tropical and subtropical shorelines. The extract used in cosmetics is taken from its flowers, leaves and stems, giving chemists a broad mix of plant sugars, flavonoids and soothing phytochemicals. Indigenous communities have long applied crushed parts of the plant to calm minor skin irritation, a practice that sparked modern interest. Today the raw plant matter is harvested, cleaned and macerated in a solvent such as water or glycerin. After steeping, the liquid is filtered and concentrated to yield a stable, user-friendly extract. Because of its gentle nature and water-soluble profile, formulators slip it into hydrating masks, daily moisturizers, after-sun gels, lightweight serums and general soothing creams.
Ipomoea Pes-Caprae Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This botanical mainly serves as a skin-conditioning agent, meaning it helps the surface of the skin feel softer, smoother and more refreshed. By delivering plant-based sugars and antioxidants, it can support moisture retention, lend a calming sensation after exposure to sun or wind and add a touch of antioxidant protection that pairs well with other actives in a formula.
Who Can Use Ipomoea Pes-Caprae Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
With its lightweight water based profile and calming phytochemicals, this extract suits nearly all skin types. Dry or mature skin appreciates the extra humectant sugars, oily and combination skin benefits from the non-greasy finish and sensitive skin often finds the plant soothing rather than irritating. There are no known concerns for acne-prone users because the ingredient is not heavy or pore clogging.
The extract is entirely plant derived and typically processed without animal by-products, which makes it a vegan and vegetarian friendly choice. Always confirm that the finished formula is certified cruelty free if that is a priority.
Current safety data points to a low risk profile for topical use in pregnant or breastfeeding individuals. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run any skincare product past a qualified healthcare professional before use.
Ipomoea pes-caprae does not contain compounds known to increase photosensitivity, so daytime use is acceptable. Standard sunscreen practices are still important for overall skin health.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Individual responses to topical Ipomoea Pes-Caprae Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract can vary. The following lists potential, though uncommon, side effects when the ingredient is properly formulated in a cosmetic product.
- Mild redness or warmth shortly after application
- Temporary itching or tingling in highly reactive skin
- Allergic contact dermatitis in those already sensitized to morning glory family plants
- Stinging on broken or freshly exfoliated skin
- Risk of microbial contamination if the product lacks adequate preservation, leading to irritation or infection
If any negative reaction occurs stop use immediately and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.
Comedogenic Rating
Comedogenic rating: 0‒1. This extract is water soluble and free of heavy oils or waxes, so it does not create the kind of film that traps sebum inside pores. Its light sugars and antioxidants rinse away easily and are used at modest levels in most formulas. Because it adds hydration without grease it is considered safe for acne prone or breakout prone skin.
The final texture of a product still depends on the other ingredients present, so anyone watching for clogs should scan the full label if the extract appears in a rich balm or butter based cream.
Summary
Ipomoea Pes-Caprae Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract conditions skin by supplying humectant sugars that pull in moisture, calming phytonutrients that soothe after environmental stress and mild antioxidants that team up with other protective actives. While not a headline ingredient it quietly shows up in after sun gels, lightweight moisturizers and sensitive skin formulas where a gentle plant boost is needed.
Current data labels it as low risk with few reports of irritation or allergy. Still every skin is unique so it is smart to patch test any new product featuring this extract before full use.