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Moumoujus

CYMBOPOGON FLEXUOSUS HERB OIL.

Avoid CAS 91844-92-7 / PERFUMING

Cymbopogon Flexuosus Herb Oil, commonly known as Lemongrass oil, offers a range of skin benefits including antimicrobial, antioxidant, and astringent properties. While it exhibits anti-inflammatory effects and assists with oil control, its composition of potent volatile fragrance compounds necessitates extremely precise formulation to mitigate significant risks of skin irritation and sensitization.

Summary

Perfuming Antioxidant Antimicrobial Astringent Anti-inflammatory Purifying Toning

Science

Mechanism of Action

This botanical oil exerts its effects through multiple mechanisms: its antimicrobial action involves disrupting microbial cell membranes, inhibiting enzyme activity, and preventing biofilm formation. The anti-inflammatory response is mediated by inhibiting specific inflammatory biomarkers such as VCAM-1, IP-10, I-TAC, and MIG, alongside reducing tissue remodeling markers like collagen-I/III, EGFR, and PAI-1, and inhibiting the immunomodulatory biomarker M-CSF. As an antioxidant, it scavenges free radicals, protecting the skin from oxidative damage. Additionally, it offers astringent qualities by dissolving excess oil, purifying, and toning the skin, potentially improving microcirculation, although its volatile nature can render compounds pro-oxidant upon air exposure.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range 0.0012–0.0012%
Optimal

0.0012%

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

The ingredient is hydrophobic with limited water solubility but is soluble in ethanol/alcohol. Due to its high volatility and hydrophobic nature, it is frequently formulated into nanoemulsions or solid lipid nanoparticles to enhance its solubility and bioavailability. Exposure to air can cause its volatile compounds to become pro-oxidant, indicating potential instability.

Conflicts

  • High concentrations (risk of irritation and sensitization)
  • Air exposure (potential for pro-oxidant formation)

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Sensitization risk High

While generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA as a food additive (21 CFR 182.20), Cymbopogon Flexuosus Herb Oil contains high levels of volatile fragrance compounds such as citral, linalool, geraniol, limonene, and citronellol. These are known skin sensitizers and allergens, regulated in Europe, posing a significant risk of irritation, redness, itchiness, and rashes, particularly at higher concentrations. Sensitive skin types are strongly advised to avoid this ingredient or only use it at extremely low levels within professionally formulated products, as no specific CIR or SCCS maximum concentration for cosmetic use is available.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

No Normal
No Dry
Yes Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy High
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Avoid

Despite demonstrable anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits at precise, extremely low concentrations, the high risk of skin irritation and sensitization from its potent volatile fragrance compounds renders Cymbopogon Flexuosus Herb Oil generally unsuitable for precision skincare formulations.

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