Lycoris Chejuensis 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
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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 Lycoris Chejuensis Extract?

Lycoris Chejuensis Extract comes from the whole Lycoris chejuensis plant, a flowering member of the Amaryllis family that grows mainly on Jeju Island in South Korea. The plant is rich in naturally occurring alkaloids, sugars and moisture-binding compounds that can help soften and soothe skin. Local herbal traditions have long used Lycoris species for their calming qualities, and modern Korean beauty labs began testing Lycoris chejuensis in the early 2000s for its potential to improve skin feel. To create the extract, harvested plants are cleaned, dried and then soaked in a gentle solvent such as water and glycerin. The solution is filtered to remove solids and the remaining liquid is concentrated, giving formulators a stable, easy-to-dose ingredient. You will most often spot Lycoris Chejuensis Extract in sheet masks, hydrating gels, light moisturizers, soothing after-sun products and any formula that aims to leave skin feeling supple and comfortable.

Lycoris Chejuensis Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

In skin care, Lycoris Chejuensis Extract is valued mainly for one key role.

Skin conditioning: the extract helps smooth the skin surface, supports moisture retention and leaves a soft, refreshed after-feel. It can improve the sensory profile of a product, making creams glide better and serums feel less tacky while giving skin a calmer appearance over time.

Who Can Use Lycoris Chejuensis Extract

Because it is gentle and mainly functions as a skin conditioner, Lycoris Chejuensis Extract suits most skin types including dry, oily, combination, sensitive or mature skin. Its soothing nature can be especially helpful for easily irritated complexions, while the light texture means it will not weigh down oily or acne-prone skin. There are no known reasons for it to be unsuitable for any specific skin type.

The extract is derived entirely from a plant so it is typically considered suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Formulations that include it may still contain animal-derived ingredients elsewhere, so label readers should check the full ingredient list.

Current information shows no specific risks for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when Lycoris Chejuensis Extract is applied topically in normal cosmetic amounts. Data are limited though, so this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run any skincare product past a qualified doctor to be safe.

The extract is not known to increase photosensitivity and does not react with common sunscreen filters. Normal daily sun protection habits are still recommended.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Side effects and reactions to the topical application of Lycoris Chejuensis Extract can vary from person to person. The points below list potential effects, but they are unlikely to occur for most users when the ingredient is properly formulated.

  • Mild redness or warmth on very sensitive skin
  • Temporary itching or tingling right after application
  • Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to Amaryllis family plants
  • Eye irritation if the product migrates into the eyes
  • Stinging on broken or freshly exfoliated skin

If any unwanted reaction develops, stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0-1 out of 5. Lycoris Chejuensis Extract is water-based and contains no heavy oils or waxes that tend to block pores. Its main components are lightweight sugars and moisture binders that sit on the skin surface then rinse away easily. Because of this low clogging potential, the extract is generally fine for people who are prone to acne or breakouts. As always, overall pore-friendliness also depends on the other ingredients in the finished product.

Summary

Lycoris Chejuensis Extract is used in cosmetics as a skin conditioner. It smooths texture, helps hold water in the upper layers of the skin and leaves a soft, calm after-feel thanks to natural sugars, alkaloids and hydrators drawn from the whole plant.

The extract enjoys modest popularity, showing up most often in Korean beauty masks, gels and soothing lotions while still flying under the radar in Western lines.

Topical safety looks very good with only rare reports of mild irritation or allergy in those sensitive to Amaryllis family plants. Like any new skincare ingredient it is smart to patch test a product that contains it before full-face use, just to be safe.

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