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Moumoujus

LITSEA CUBEBA FRUIT OIL.

Valuable CAS 68855-99-2 / 90063-59-5 / FRAGRANCE, PERFUMING, TONIC

Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil is a multi-functional essential oil highly valued for its potent antimicrobial, antioxidant, and astringent properties. It effectively targets oily and acne-prone skin concerns by regulating sebum and combating bacterial proliferation, while also offering promising skin brightening and protective benefits.

Summary

astringent antimicrobial antibacterial anti-inflammatory antioxidant tyrosinase inhibitor sebum regulating masking perfuming tonic

Science

Mechanism of Action

This oil acts through several synergistic pathways. Its astringent qualities contribute to refined pores and regulated sebum production, making it ideal for congested skin. The principal active compound, citral, confers robust antimicrobial and antibacterial effects against various pathogens, including those associated with acne, by disrupting bacterial cell membrane integrity and cellular respiration. Furthermore, it exhibits anti-inflammatory properties that can alleviate skin flare-ups. Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil also demonstrates antioxidant capacity and inhibits tyrosinase activity, suggesting protection against oxidative damage and a potential role in improving skin tone.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range 0.000038–0.2%
Optimal

0.01%

Key findings

  1. 01 Potent inhibitory effect on tyrosinase (IC50 0.01%, in vitro), suggesting skin brightening potential.
  2. 02 Significant antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (MBC 0.000038%, in vitro) and Bacillus subtilis (MBC 0.03906%, in vitro).
  3. 03 Apparent protective effect against UV–TiO2–NO2−-induced protein oxidation (0.001%, in vitro) and tyrosine nitration (0.01%, in vitro).
  4. 04 Good antioxidative activities (IC50 1.775% for ABTS+.; IC50 1.02% for O2−, in vitro).

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted
Min. effective
0.000038%
Red flag below
0.000037%

Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil exhibits remarkable potency, with significant antibacterial effects observed at concentrations as low as 0.000038%. While other benefits like tyrosinase inhibition are effective at 0.01%, it is unlikely to be 'dusted' in typical cosmetic formulations because its efficacy spans a broad range well below the maximum recommended safe concentration of 0.20%. A concentration below 0.000038% would be considered a 'red flag' for achieving full spectrum antibacterial efficacy.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

The oil's major component, citral, may form diethylacetals during stability testing, and terpenes present can polymerize upon oxidation. It demonstrates comparative stability under mildly alkaline conditions, with emulsions studied at pH 7.0 and 8.3.

Conflicts

  • Strong oxidizing agents (due to polymerization of terpenes)
  • Ingredients sensitive to citral's reactivity

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Max tested
0.2%
Sensitization risk High

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) has not formally reviewed Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil. However, the European Commission's SCCS reports evidence of contact allergy in humans, and the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) identifies sensitization as a critical effect, primarily due to its citral content. Maximum usage in products applied to the face/body (Category 3) is restricted to 0.20%. It is generally recommended to dilute this essential oil with a carrier oil prior to topical application to minimize potential skin irritation.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil is a valuable multi-functional ingredient offering significant antimicrobial, antioxidant, and brightening benefits for oily and acne-prone skin, provided it is precisely formulated within its strict concentration limits (up to 0.20%) to mitigate its high sensitization and irritation risks.

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