Lycopus Coreanus Callus Culture Extract: What Is It, Cosmetic Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: July 1, 2025
Share:
Inside this article:

We verify all information on this page using publicly available nomenclature standards from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), the European Commission's CosIng database and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Lycopus Coreanus Callus Culture Extract?

Lycopus Coreanus Callus Culture Extract comes from Lycopus coreanus, a mint family herb long valued in East Asia. Instead of picking whole plants, scientists take a tiny piece of tissue and grow it in a sterile nutrient gel until it forms a soft mass called a callus. These lab-grown cells are then filtered and blended with water or gentle solvents to create a concentrated fluid that carries the plant’s natural compounds, including polyphenols, flavonoids and mild sugars that help bind moisture. Because the process happens in a controlled setting it yields a consistent, pesticide-free ingredient while protecting wild plant populations.

Thanks to its soothing and antioxidant profile, the extract appears in a range of leave-on and rinse-off products such as hydrating sheet masks, calming toners, lightweight moisturizers, anti-aging serums and targeted spot treatments that aim to smooth texture or reduce visible redness.

Lycopus Coreanus Callus Culture Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

In skincare formulas this ingredient serves one primary role:

Skin conditioning – The extract helps soften and smooth the surface of the skin, supports a healthy moisture barrier and supplies antioxidants that can shield against everyday environmental stress. Users often notice a more supple feel and a calmer look, making it useful in products designed for dryness, sensitivity or early signs of aging.

Who Can Use Lycopus Coreanus Callus Culture Extract

This plant derived extract is generally suitable for all skin types including oily, dry, combination and sensitive skin because it is lightweight and non-greasy yet offers soothing hydration. People with very reactive skin may still prefer a short ingredient list so they can pinpoint any sensitivities.

The extract is produced from cultured plant cells with no animal derivatives or by-products, so it fits vegan and vegetarian lifestyles.

No specific contraindications are known for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, but out of an abundance of caution this is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should ask their doctor before adding new skincare.

Lycopus Coreanus Callus Culture Extract is not known to cause photosensitivity and can be used in both daytime and nighttime routines without making skin more prone to sunburn. Standard daily sunscreen use is still encouraged for overall skin health.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Responses to topical Lycopus Coreanus Callus Culture Extract differ from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects that could occur, though most users will not experience them when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.

  • Mild redness or warmth especially on very sensitive skin
  • Temporary itching or stinging shortly after application
  • Dry patches if the formula contains high levels of alcohol or other drying companions alongside the extract
  • Allergic contact dermatitis for individuals allergic to members of the mint family
  • Interaction with strong exfoliants or retinoids leading to compounded irritation in delicate skin

If any of these effects occur discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0–1. Lycopus Coreanus Callus Culture Extract is a water-based botanical with no heavy oils, waxes or butters, so it sits at the very low end of the pore-clogging scale. Its molecules are mainly lightweight polyphenols and sugars that dissolve in water and rinse away easily, leaving little residue that could trap oil or debris inside pores.

Because of this low rating it is generally suitable for skin that is prone to acne or frequent breakouts.

Formulas that pair the extract with rich occlusive ingredients may still feel heavy on oily skin, so always consider the overall product texture rather than the extract alone.

Summary

Lycopus Coreanus Callus Culture Extract conditions skin by delivering antioxidants that fend off daily environmental stress and by supplying humectant sugars that draw in water for a softer, smoother surface. The lab-grown callus method keeps the active compounds consistent and pesticide-free while protecting the parent plant.

Although not yet a blockbuster ingredient it has gained quiet popularity in K-beauty toners, serums and sheet masks aimed at calming sensitivity and early aging. Its safety record is solid with few reported reactions, though anyone can react to any ingredient so it is smart to perform a quick patch test when trying a new product.

Was this article helpful?
More from Glooshi:
ADVERTISEMENT
Get all our top headlines in beauty.
Delivered right to your inbox each week. Zero spam, all goodness, opt-out at anytime.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Get the latest beauty news, top product recommendations & brand-exclusive discount codes direct to your inbox.
Send good feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Send bad feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Search