Mirabilis Jalapa Callus Powder: 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 Mirabilis Jalapa Callus Powder?

Mirabilis Jalapa Callus Powder is a plant-derived ingredient made from the callus culture of Mirabilis jalapa, better known as the four o’clock flower. Scientists grow small samples of the plant’s tissue in a controlled lab setting, then dry and finely grind the resulting callus to create a stable, uniform powder. Because the material is produced in a sterile environment, it avoids the pesticides, heavy metals and seasonal quality swings that can affect field-grown plants.

The modern cosmetic industry turned to callus culture technology in the early 2000s as a way to tap into a plant’s active compounds without stressing wild populations. Mirabilis jalapa caught formulators’ attention for its naturally occurring sugars, amino acids and protective phenolic molecules, all of which can help keep skin feeling soft and comfortable. Once processed into a powder, the ingredient disperses easily in both water-based and emulsion systems, making it suitable for creams, serums, sheet-mask essences and soothing after-sun lotions.

Mirabilis Jalapa Callus Powder’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

In skincare formulas Mirabilis Jalapa Callus Powder serves one main role: skin conditioning. By delivering humectant sugars and calming phytochemicals, it helps maintain the skin’s moisture balance, improves softness and supports a smoother feel after application.

Who Can Use Mirabilis Jalapa Callus Powder

This ingredient is generally well tolerated by all skin types, including dry, oily, combination and sensitive skin, because it focuses on hydration and calming. People with extremely reactive skin or a known allergy to the four o’clock flower family should proceed with caution and review the full ingredient list of any finished product.

Mirabilis Jalapa Callus Powder is produced entirely from plant tissue in a controlled lab setting with no animal inputs, making it suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

No specific warnings exist for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals but, as with any cosmetic ingredient, those who are expecting or nursing should ask their healthcare provider before starting a new product to stay on the safe side. This is not medical advice.

The powder has no documented link to photosensitivity and will not make skin more prone to sunburn, though daily sunscreen remains a smart habit for overall skin health.

Because the material is cultivated under sterile conditions rather than harvested in the wild it also appeals to consumers seeking sustainable, traceable skincare choices.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Responses to topical Mirabilis Jalapa Callus Powder can differ from one person to another. The issues listed below are possible yet uncommon when the ingredient is correctly processed and incorporated into a cosmetic formula.

  • Mild redness or stinging on very sensitive skin
  • Itching or rash in individuals allergic to Mirabilis species
  • Temporary dryness if used in a product with high alcohol content
  • Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
  • Exacerbation of existing dermatitis in rare cases

If you experience any negative reaction stop using the product and seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1 (very low)

Mirabilis Jalapa Callus Powder is mostly made of water-binding sugars and gentle plant compounds that sit lightly on the skin and rinse away easily. It contains no heavy oils or waxes that can block pores, giving it a very low chance of causing blackheads or breakouts.

Because of this low score the ingredient is generally considered suitable for people who are prone to acne or congestion.

Formulas that pair the powder with thick butters or high levels of silicones could raise the overall clogging potential, so check the full product label if you are extra sensitive.

Summary

Mirabilis Jalapa Callus Powder is a lab-grown plant powder that conditions skin by drawing in moisture, soothing irritation and leaving the surface feeling smooth. It does this through naturally occurring sugars, amino acids and protective antioxidants pulled from the four o’clock flower’s tissue culture.

The ingredient is still a bit of a niche player compared with classics like aloe or chamomile but it is showing up more often in calming serums and after-sun gels as brands look for sustainable options.

Safety data so far points to a low risk of irritation or pore clogging, making it a friendly choice for most skin types. Even so, skin is personal so it is smart to patch test any new product that contains Mirabilis Jalapa Callus Powder before using it on your whole face.

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