What Is Solanum Mauritianum Extract?
Solanum Mauritianum Extract comes from the leaves and young stems of Solanum mauritianum, a fast-growing shrub in the nightshade family that is native to South America but now grows in many warm regions. The plant holds a mix of small molecules such as alkaloids, flavonoids, sugars and plant acids that give it soothing and conditioning properties. Folk traditions once used mashed leaves to calm skin irritation, and those stories drew the attention of cosmetic chemists in the late 20th century. Today the extract is produced by drying the plant matter then soaking it in a food-grade solvent or glycerin water blend. The liquid is filtered and concentrated to create a stable, water-soluble ingredient. You will mainly spot Solanum Mauritianum Extract in leave-in or rinse-off hair conditioners, calming face masks, lightweight moisturizers, after-sun gels and nourishing hand creams.
Solanum Mauritianum Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators choose this botanical for two main reasons:
- Hair conditioning: The extract forms a thin film on strands that smooths the cuticle, adds slip for easier detangling and helps hair feel softer without heaviness.
- Skin conditioning: Its natural sugars bind water to the surface of the skin while flavonoids help reduce the look of redness, so finished products leave skin feeling calm, supple and refreshed.
Who Can Use Solanum Mauritianum Extract
Because it is light, water soluble and non-greasy, Solanum Mauritianum Extract tends to suit most skin types including oily, combination, dry and even sensitive skin. Its film-forming sugars add moisture without clogging pores so acne-prone users usually tolerate it well. People with a known allergy to plants in the nightshade family should proceed with caution since the extract comes from the same botanical group.
The ingredient is derived entirely from plant material and no animal by-products are used during standard extraction, making it appropriate for vegans and vegetarians. As always, cruelty-free status depends on the finished brand’s policies and local regulations.
No data suggest that topical use affects hormones or penetrates deeply, therefore products containing this extract are generally considered acceptable for pregnant or breastfeeding women. This is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should confirm product choices with a qualified healthcare provider to be safe.
Solanum Mauritianum Extract is not known to cause photosensitivity so daytime use is fine with regular sun protection practices. It also plays well with most common actives such as niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and mild exfoliating acids, making it easy to fit into an existing routine.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Individual responses to any cosmetic ingredient can differ. The points below list potential side effects linked to topical use of Solanum Mauritianum Extract, though most people will not encounter them when the ingredient is properly formulated and used as directed.
- Allergic contact dermatitis
- Mild redness or itching in those sensitive to nightshade plants
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Build-up and limp feel on very fine hair if used in high-concentration leave-ins
If any irritation or other adverse effect develops stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5 – Solanum Mauritianum Extract is water soluble and contains mostly lightweight sugars, acids and flavonoids rather than heavy oils or waxes that can block pores. While any film-forming ingredient could theoretically trap debris if layered with very occlusive products, the extract itself has an extremely low tendency to clog follicles. It is generally suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.
Because it is typically used at low concentrations and rinses cleanly, the likelihood of pore congestion stays minimal even when applied daily.
Summary
Solanum Mauritianum Extract conditions hair by forming a smooth, invisible film that boosts softness and slip, and it conditions skin by binding moisture and calming visible redness with natural flavonoids. These benefits come from its mix of plant sugars, mild acids and antioxidant compounds.
This is still a niche botanical so you will not find it on every shelf, yet formulators who want gentle plant-based hydrators are including it more often in leave-in conditioners, after-sun gels and lightweight creams.
Topical use is considered very safe for most people with only rare reports of mild irritation in those sensitive to nightshades. Even with low comedogenicity and a solid safety profile, it is wise to patch test any new product to rule out personal sensitivities.