Phlomis Koraiensis Root 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 Phlomis Koraiensis Root Extract?

Phlomis Koraiensis Root Extract is taken from the roots of Phlomis koraiensis, a resilient herb in the mint family (Lamiaceae). The roots contain natural sugars, polyphenols and small amounts of aromatic oils that help the plant store water and fend off stress. Traditional folk care in parts of Asia prized these roots for soothing the skin, which caught the eye of modern formulators looking for plant based alternatives to synthetic conditioners. To make the extract, the cleaned roots are dried, ground and steeped in a mix of water and gentle food grade solvents. The liquid is then filtered and concentrated to create a stable ingredient that blends well with creams and serums. You will most often spot Phlomis Koraiensis Root Extract in hydrating masks, daily moisturizers, anti aging lotions and after sun treatments where a soft, comfortable finish is desired.

Phlomis Koraiensis Root Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This extract serves one key role in skin care as a skin conditioning agent. It helps smooth the skin surface, supports moisture retention and leaves a soft touch feel. Formulators use it to boost the overall comfort of a product so the skin looks fresh and feels calm after application.

Who Can Use Phlomis Koraiensis Root Extract

Phlomis Koraiensis Root Extract is gentle enough for most skin types including normal, dry, oily and combination. Its moisturising nature can be especially comforting for dry or mildly sensitive skin, though people with very reactive skin should still keep an eye on how their skin feels after use. The extract is plant derived with no animal by-products so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

There is no published evidence suggesting that topical use of this extract poses a risk for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. That said, this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should show the full ingredient list of any skincare product to a qualified healthcare professional before use.

The extract does not increase photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. As with any cosmetic ingredient, check the rest of the formula for other actives like retinol or AHAs that could raise sun sensitivity.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Reactions to Phlomis Koraiensis Root Extract differ from person to person. The points below cover potential side effects only and most users will not experience them when the ingredient is incorporated properly in a finished product.

  • Mild redness or warmth at the application site
  • Itching or a tingling sensation that fades within minutes
  • Rare allergic contact dermatitis marked by swelling or persistent rash
  • Stinging if applied to broken or highly irritated skin

If any of these effects occur and do not quickly resolve on their own, stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1/5

Phlomis Koraiensis Root Extract is mostly water soluble and contains very little oil or wax, so it is unlikely to clog pores. A rating of 1 reflects a low but not zero chance of comedogenicity, mainly because every skin type can respond differently to botanical sugars and trace oils. Overall it is considered safe for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.

As with most plant extracts, the finished formula matters. Heavy creams or products rich in butters could still cause congestion even if this extract itself is low on the scale.

Summary

Phlomis Koraiensis Root Extract works as a skin conditioning agent that helps skin stay smooth, hold moisture and feel calm. It does this through a mix of natural sugars that bind water, gentle polyphenols that soothe and tiny amounts of aromatic compounds that leave a soft touch finish.

The extract is not a headline star in beauty aisles yet, but it is gaining quiet popularity among formulators who want mild plant based alternatives to classic conditioners.

Current data shows it is safe for most users with only rare reports of irritation. Still, skin is personal so it is smart to do a quick patch test whenever you try a new product that contains this or any other unfamiliar ingredient.

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