Scrophularia Buergeriana 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: June 30, 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 Scrophularia Buergeriana Extract?

Scrophularia Buergeriana Extract comes from the whole Scrophularia buergeriana plant, a member of the figwort family that grows in East Asia. Rich in naturally occurring sugars, flavonoids and iridoid glycosides such as harpagoside and aucubin, the extract is valued for its ability to calm and condition skin. Traditional herbalists have long used figwort relatives in soothing preparations, which led modern formulators to explore the plant for topical care. To make the extract, harvested stems, leaves and roots are cleaned, dried and ground, then steeped in a water or water-glycol solution. The liquid is filtered, concentrated and stabilized to yield a clear brown fluid or powder that blends easily into creams and gels. You will often spot Scrophularia Buergeriana Extract in hydrating masks, anti-aging serums, everyday moisturizers and post-treatment soothing lotions.

Scrophularia Buergeriana Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

In skin care formulas Scrophularia Buergeriana Extract acts primarily as a skin-conditioning agent, helping the surface of the skin look and feel smoother, softer and more supple.

Who Can Use Scrophularia Buergeriana Extract

This plant-based ingredient is generally well tolerated by all skin types, including dry, normal, combination, oily and even easily irritated complexions, thanks to its soothing and non-greasy profile. Those with very reactive or allergy-prone skin may still wish to proceed cautiously, as with any new botanical, but there are no known qualities that make it inherently unsuitable for a particular skin type.

Because Scrophularia Buergeriana Extract is obtained entirely from a plant and no animal-derived additives are required during processing, products featuring it are typically appropriate for both vegetarians and vegans. Always check the full ingredient list to confirm the rest of the formula meets your personal standards.

No data currently indicate that topical use poses a specific risk to pregnant or breastfeeding women. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should have a quick chat with their doctor before introducing new skincare products, just to be on the safe side.

The extract is not known to heighten sensitivity to sunlight so it should not interfere with daytime use or require special photoprotection beyond the daily sunscreen experts already recommend. It also plays nicely alongside common actives such as niacinamide or hyaluronic acid, making it easy to slot into most routines.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Individual responses to topical Scrophularia Buergeriana Extract can vary. The issues listed below are possible but uncommon when the ingredient has been correctly formulated and preserved.

  • Mild redness or warmth a temporary flush that usually settles once the product is removed
  • Itching or tingling often linked to very sensitive skin or overuse of multiple new products at once
  • Contact dermatitis a localized rash that may occur in people with allergies to figwort family plants
  • Stinging on broken or compromised skin more likely if the barrier is already damaged

If any of these reactions occur stop using the product and seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0 / 5. Scrophularia Buergeriana Extract is a water based plant extract that contains virtually no heavy oils or waxes, so it will not clog pores. Its light texture and quick absorption make it an easy fit for people who are prone to acne or breakouts. Because the extract itself is non-oily, it rarely builds up inside follicles, keeping the risk of whiteheads and blackheads very low. Formulas still depend on the whole recipe, so check the other ingredients if you are extremely blemish-prone.

Summary

Scrophularia Buergeriana Extract works as a skin-conditioning agent that soothes, softens and supports a healthy looking barrier thanks to its mix of sugars, flavonoids and iridoid glycosides. It is not a blockbuster ingredient like hyaluronic acid but it has a steady following in hydrating masks and calming creams, especially in Korean and Japanese skin care. Current safety data show it is gentle for most users with few reported reactions. Even so, it is smart to patch test any new product featuring this extract to rule out personal sensitivities before applying it to your whole face.

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