What Is Lithospermum Officinale Root Extract?
Lithospermum Officinale Root Extract is a plant-derived ingredient obtained from the roots of European gromwell, a perennial herb in the borage family. The roots are naturally rich in colorful naphthoquinone pigments such as alkannin and shikonin along with flavonoids, rosmarinic acid and small amounts of nourishing fatty acids. Centuries ago the vivid purple-red root was prized as a fabric dye and a soothing folk remedy for skin irritations, which eventually caught the attention of modern formulators looking for gentle botanical actives.
To make the cosmetic grade extract, freshly harvested or dried roots are cleaned, milled then soaked in a skin-friendly solvent like ethanol, propanediol or glycerin. The mixture is filtered to remove plant solids, yielding a concentrated liquid that can be standardized for pigment or antioxidant content. After solvent removal or dilution the extract is ready to be blended into finished products.
You will most often see Lithospermum Officinale Root Extract in calming creams, after-sun lotions, barrier-repair balms, serums aimed at early signs of aging, rinse-off and leave-on masks as well as baby care formulas.
Lithospermum Officinale Root Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In skin care this botanical serves one main purpose: it acts as a skin-conditioning agent, helping products leave the skin feeling softer smoother and more comfortable. The natural pigments and antioxidants support a healthy looking complexion, while the mild fatty acid content provides a light emollient touch that can improve overall texture.
Who Can Use Lithospermum Officinale Root Extract
This extract is gentle enough for most skin types including normal, dry, sensitive and combination skin. The light fatty acids can give very mild nourishment without weighing skin down so even balanced to slightly oily complexions usually tolerate it well. Extremely oily or acne-prone skin may prefer lighter formulas though the extract itself is not known to clog pores.
Lithospermum Officinale Root Extract is entirely plant based so it fits vegan and vegetarian lifestyles provided the finished product is certified cruelty free.
No research indicates a special risk for pregnant or nursing women when the extract is used topically in cosmetic concentrations. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or breastfeeding should run their routine past a qualified doctor to be on the safe side.
The ingredient does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight. In fact the natural pigments can add a hint of protective antioxidant support though sunscreen is still required for UV safety.
Because the vivid purple-red pigments can lightly tint a formula they may leave a temporary pinkish cast on very light fabrics if the product is not fully absorbed so allow leave-on products to dry before dressing.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Lithospermum Officinale Root Extract differ from person to person. The points below outline possible issues but most users experience none of them when the ingredient is correctly formulated and used as directed.
- Mild skin staining
- Temporary redness or warmth in very sensitive skin
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals allergic to plants from the borage family
- Color transfer to light clothing or bedding before the product has dried
- Increased stinging when layered immediately after strong exfoliating acids or retinoids
If any unwanted reaction occurs stop using the product and seek guidance from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5. Lithospermum Officinale Root Extract contains only trace amounts of fatty acids and the bulk of the extract is made up of water-soluble pigments and antioxidants that do not tend to linger in pores. Formulations using it usually rely on lightweight carriers such as glycerin or propanediol so the overall chance of pore blockage is low.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin in most cases.
As with any colored botanical the finished product’s overall comedogenicity depends more on the other ingredients and the texture of the formula than on the extract itself.
Summary
Lithospermum Officinale Root Extract is primarily a skin-conditioning agent that leaves skin feeling soft comfortable and lightly nourished. Its natural naphthoquinone pigments and flavonoids provide a touch of antioxidant support while a small amount of fatty acids gives a gentle emollient boost.
Although not as famous as aloe or chamomile this gromwell root extract enjoys steady popularity among brands focused on calming barrier-friendly formulas and baby care lines that seek plant-based color and soothing benefits.
Topical use is considered very safe with few reports of irritation outside of rare plant allergies. Still everyone’s skin is unique so performing a quick patch test when trying a new product that contains the extract is a smart precaution.