Science
Mechanism of Action
Nelumbo Nucifera extracts primarily function as powerful antioxidants, leveraging phenols and flavonoids to neutralize free radicals and shield skin from environmental damage. They offer calming and soothing benefits, enhance hydration through natural moisturizing factors, and contribute to anti-aging by improving elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines and dark spots. Specific components like rutin act as emollients, while ferulic acid bolsters antioxidant defense and targets dark spots. Orostachys Japonica extracts further amplify antioxidant protection due to high phenolic compound content and also demonstrate potential immunostimulatory effects. In vitro, Nelumbo Nucifera has shown the ability to inhibit melanogenesis and DOPA-oxidase activity, contributing to a more uniform skin tone.
Research
Clinical Evidence
Medium confidenceN/A
Key findings
- 01 Nelumbo Nucifera flower bud extract significantly inhibited melanogenesis with an IC50 at 20 µg/ml in vitro.
- 02 Nelumbo Nucifera leaf extract exhibited 59% inhibition of DOPA-oxidase activity at 100 µg/ml in vitro, while flower extract showed 50% inhibition at the same concentration.
Transparency
Dusting Analysis
The Formula
Formulation
Stability
Orostachys Japonica leaf extract maintains high heat and pH stability for its antioxidant activity, performing optimally within a pH range of 2-8, though activity decreases at pH 10. Nelumbo Nucifera leaf extracts are commonly prepared in water or hydro-alcoholic solutions.
Safety
Safety Profile
The CIR Expert Panel currently deems available data insufficient for a comprehensive safety determination for Nelumbo Nucifera-derived ingredients, with a Draft Final Report expected in August 2025. However, previous reports indicated these ingredients are safe for cosmetic use if formulated to prevent skin irritation and sensitization. A water cream containing 1% each of aqueous Nelumbo nucifera leaf, flower, root, and stem extract, alongside 4% combined unspecified extract, was evaluated and did not cause skin irritation in 20 subjects.
Your Skin
Skin Compatibility
Our Assessment
Verdict
This botanical extract demonstrates promising antioxidant, soothing, moisturizing, and skin-brightening benefits in in vitro studies, but comprehensive regulatory safety data from the CIR Expert Panel remains insufficient for a full determination.
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