What Is Lycopsis Arvensis Fruit/Leaf/Root/Stem Extract?
Lycopsis Arvensis Fruit/Leaf/Root/Stem Extract comes from the entire above and below ground parts of the small bugloss plant, a hardy herb in the Boraginaceae family that grows in fields across Europe and parts of Asia. The plant has been used in folk preparations for generations, mostly for its light, herbal scent and its soothing feel on skin. Modern extraction starts with harvested fruits, leaves, roots and stems that are washed, dried and milled. The ground plant matter is then steeped in a gentle solvent such as glycerin or a mix of water and alcohol to draw out aromatic compounds, natural sugars and protective antioxidants. Once filtered and concentrated, the result is a clear to amber liquid that blends easily into water based or emulsified formulas.
Because it offers both a pleasant natural aroma and skin comforting properties, formulators add Lycopsis Arvensis extract to facial creams, daily moisturizers, soothing masks, after-sun gels and even mild cleansers. Its plant origin also appeals to brands positioning products as botanical or clean beauty.
Lycopsis Arvensis Fruit/Leaf/Root/Stem Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multitasking extract serves two main roles in skincare and body care formulas:
- Fragrance: Provides a light, herbaceous scent that can soften or freshen the overall aroma of a product, helping brands limit synthetic perfume levels while still offering a pleasant sensory experience
- Skin protecting: Delivers natural antioxidants and soothing molecules that form a light shield on the skin surface, helping defend against everyday stressors like pollution and minor irritation and supporting a calm comfortable feel
Who Can Use Lycopsis Arvensis Fruit/Leaf/Root/Stem Extract
This gentle plant extract suits most skin types, including dry, oily and sensitive. Its light antioxidant veil does not clog pores or leave a heavy film, making it comfortable for combination skin as well. There are no known features of the extract that would make it unsuitable for any particular skin type, though people with a history of plant allergies should stay alert to possible irritation.
The ingredient is sourced entirely from plant material and no animal by-products are involved in its processing, so it is considered vegan and vegetarian friendly.
Current data show no ingredients in small bugloss that pose a special risk to pregnant or breastfeeding women when used on intact skin at cosmetic levels. Still, this is not medical advice. Anyone who is expecting or nursing should review any skincare routine with a qualified health professional for added peace of mind.
Lycopsis Arvensis extract is not known to increase photosensitivity. Normal daytime sun protection habits remain sufficient.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Lycopsis Arvensis Fruit/Leaf/Root/Stem Extract can vary from person to person. The following points list potential side effects that could occur even though most users will not experience them when the ingredient is used at proper cosmetic levels.
- Mild redness or warmth
- Localized rash or hives in those allergic to plants of the Boraginaceae family
- Dry patches if the product formula has a high alcohol content
- Eye irritation if the product is applied too close to the lash line
If any unwanted reaction occurs stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 (very low)
Lycopsis Arvensis Fruit/Leaf/Root/Stem Extract is largely water soluble and contains only trace fatty compounds so it does not form an occlusive film that can trap oil or debris inside pores. Formulation levels are usually below 3 percent which keeps the extract light and easily rinsed from skin. Because the plant matter is processed in glycerin or water-alcohol blends there is no heavy carrier oil left behind. All of this places the extract at the lower end of the comedogenic scale.
With such a low rating the ingredient is generally considered suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.
If the finished product also includes richer plant oils or waxes those other components will have a stronger impact on pore clogging than the extract itself.
Summary
Lycopsis Arvensis Fruit/Leaf/Root/Stem Extract offers two key perks in skincare: a soft herbal fragrance and mild skin-protecting action. Natural aroma molecules freshen a formula while antioxidant and soothing compounds sit on the surface to help fend off daily stress such as pollution and minor irritation.
The extract is still a bit of an under-the-radar ingredient compared with big names like chamomile or green tea yet it shows up in an increasing number of botanical moisturizers, calming serums and after-sun gels for brands that want a clean beauty vibe.
Safety data to date look favorable. The extract is vegan friendly, non phototoxic and low on the comedogenic scale. Most people can use it without trouble but skin is personal so it is always wise to patch test any new product before adding it to a routine.