What Is Phaseolus Radiatus Seed Extract?
Phaseolus Radiatus Seed Extract is a plant based ingredient taken from the seeds of the mung bean, a small green legume known in science as Phaseolus radiatus L. People across Asia have cooked with mung beans for centuries, and early beauty rituals often used mashed beans as gentle cleansers. Modern cosmetic labs began looking at the seed for its protein, vitamin and mineral content, then developed a standardized extract that can be blended into creams and hair care products.
The extract is produced by cleaning and grinding the dried seeds, soaking them in a food grade solvent such as water or glycerin, then filtering and concentrating the liquid. The result is a light brown fluid or powder rich in amino acids, sugars and antioxidants that help soften both skin and hair. You will most often spot Phaseolus Radiatus Seed Extract on the ingredient list of moisturizers, anti aging serums, calming masks, leave in conditioners and scalp treatments.
Phaseolus Radiatus Seed Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multitasker supports both skin and hair care formulas in the following ways:
- Hair Conditioning – The natural proteins coat the hair shaft, making strands feel smoother and easier to comb while adding a soft, healthy looking sheen
- Skin Conditioning – Its mix of amino acids and sugars helps draw in moisture, leaving skin feeling supple and comfortable and giving a refreshed appearance
Who Can Use Phaseolus Radiatus Seed Extract
This gentle plant extract is generally suitable for all skin types including dry, balanced, combination, oily and even sensitive skin because it focuses on hydration rather than strong active exfoliation or acids. People with proven legume allergies should approach with caution since mung bean belongs to the same family and cross reactions can happen, though such cases are uncommon.
The ingredient is derived entirely from a plant source with no animal by products so it meets vegan and vegetarian standards.
Current research has not linked topical Phaseolus Radiatus Seed Extract to hormonal disruption or developmental concerns, therefore pregnant and breastfeeding women can typically use products containing it. That said this is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should run the product past a doctor to be on the safe side.
The extract is not known to make skin more sensitive to the sun and does not interfere with mineral or chemical sunscreens.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects and reactions to the topical application of Phaseolus Radiatus Seed Extract can vary from person to person. The following is a list of potential issues and they are highly unlikely to be the typical user experience. When the ingredient has been formulated correctly most users will not encounter any problems.
- Allergic contact dermatitis presenting as redness itching or rash especially in individuals with existing legume allergies
- Temporary stinging or mild irritation if applied to broken or highly reactive skin
- Contact urticaria rapid onset hives in very rare hypersensitive users
- Eye irritation watering or discomfort if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
If any negative reaction occurs stop using the product immediately and seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
Phaseolus Radiatus Seed Extract is mostly made up of water soluble proteins, sugars and antioxidants that sit lightly on the surface then rinse away. It has little oil content so it does not block pores easily. Formulas that use the extract also tend to include it at low percentages which further lowers any clogging risk.
Because of this low score the extract is generally safe for people who are prone to acne or frequent breakouts.
As always the final product matters. Heavy creams or balms that contain rich oils alongside the extract may still feel greasy on very oily skin even though the extract itself is almost non-comedogenic.
Summary
Phaseolus Radiatus Seed Extract shines as a dual action helper that conditions hair and skin. Its plant proteins form a thin film that smooths strands while the mix of amino acids and sugars draws water into the skin leaving it soft and comfortable. Antioxidants in the bean provide extra care by fighting routine environmental stress.
Although not as well known as aloe or green tea this extract is finding its way into more modern formulas thanks to the clean beauty trend and interest in food grade botanicals. You are most likely to see it tucked into hydrating serums, light creams and leave in conditioners.
Safety wise it ranks high. It is non animal, non photo-sensitizing and rarely causes irritation except in those with legume allergies. Still, whenever you try a new product it is smart to patch test first so you can be sure it agrees with your unique skin.