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RHUS COTINUS LEAF EXTRACT.

Valuable CAS - / SKIN CONDITIONING

Derived from the Cotinus coggygria plant, Rhus Cotinus Leaf Extract is a sophisticated botanical ingredient recognized for its robust multi-functional benefits. It precisely targets skin aging by providing potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support, while actively safeguarding skin elasticity and structural integrity through enzymatic inhibition. Beyond these benefits, it offers astringent, humectant, and conditioning properties for comprehensive skin health.

Astringent Antioxidant Humectant Skin Conditioning Anti-inflammatory Antimicrobial Elastase Inhibitor Proteolytic Enzyme Inhibitor Wound Healing Support Photo-protective Senolytic

Science

Rhus Cotinus Leaf Extract exerts its effects through several precise mechanisms at a cellular level. Its rich profile of polyphenolic compounds, including tannins and flavonoids like fisetin, rutin, and quercetin, confers potent antioxidant activity, effectively neutralizing reactive oxygen species and inhibiting lipid peroxidation. This extract also demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory actions, modulating pro-inflammatory pathways within the skin. Structurally, it is instrumental in preserving dermal integrity by inhibiting key proteolytic enzymes: specifically, Human Matrix Metalloelastase (HME) and trypsin. This inhibition safeguards elastin fibers and connective tissues from degradation, thereby enhancing skin elasticity and firmness. Furthermore, the extract provides astringent effects from its tannin content, contributes to moisture retention as a humectant, acts as a skin conditioning agent, and exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties. Fisetin, a notable component, also suggests potential senolytic and photo-protective advantages.


Research

Medium confidence
Effective range 0.01–10%
Optimal

N/A


Transparency

Not commonly dusted

With clinically relevant effects observed at concentrations as low as 0.01%, and a recommended effective range up to 10% for enhancing tissue elasticity, Rhus Cotinus Leaf Extract is unlikely to be 'dusted' if formulated to achieve specific benefits.


The Formula

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

No specific optimal pH range for stability has been identified. The extract can be prepared using a variety of solvents, including water, alcohol, acetone, ethyl acetate, and hexane, suggesting a complex composition with both water-soluble and oil-soluble components. Flavonoids, a key active group, generally exhibit low to moderate water solubility.

Conflicts

  • May present aesthetic or stability challenges when combined with other reactive ingredients, warranting careful formulation.
  • Contains urushiols, which can cause severe irritation in sensitive individuals, necessitating stringent control over urushiol content and usage levels, especially in products for sensitive skin.

Safety

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Max tested
20%
Sensitization risk High

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) has not formally assessed Rhus Cotinus Leaf Extract. While generally considered safe regarding contaminants like heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial pathogens, the plant naturally contains urushiols. These compounds are known allergens and can cause severe contact irritation in sensitive individuals, posing a significant sensitization risk. Formulators must exercise extreme caution to ensure minimal urushiol content and appropriate usage levels, especially in products intended for broad consumer use.


Your Skin

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

Our Assessment

Valuable

Rhus Cotinus Leaf Extract is a valuable botanical offering potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and elastin-protecting benefits for advanced skin aging concerns, but its formulation requires stringent control due to potential urushiol-related irritation.


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