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Moumoujus

SASSAFRAS OFFICINALE BARK EXTRACT.

Avoid CAS - / SKIN CONDITIONING

Sassafras Officinale Bark Extract, traditionally recognized for its purported skin-soothing and antiseptic qualities, presents significant safety challenges. Its key constituent, safrole, is a known carcinogen with hepatotoxic potential, leading to its restriction in various applications. While general bark extracts have exhibited in vitro antioxidant benefits, the overwhelming safety concerns associated with sassafras preclude its recommendation for dermal use.

Summary

skin conditioning antioxidant (in vitro, general bark extracts) antiseptic (traditional) skin-soothing (traditional)

Science

Mechanism of Action

Traditionally, Sassafras Officinale Bark Extract was believed to confer skin-soothing and antiseptic effects, potentially mediated by compounds such as tannic acid and Sassafrid. Contemporary in vitro research, utilizing general bark extracts, has indicated antioxidant capabilities through a concentration-dependent reduction in H2O2-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, suggesting a protective mechanism against oxidative stress.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

This ingredient is not a candidate for 'dusting' strategies. Its profound safety concerns, primarily related to the presence of safrole, fundamentally negate any consideration of its efficacy at any concentration for dermal applications.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Conflicts

  • Conflicting with ingredients containing safrole due to inherent carcinogenic and irritant properties.
  • Application on compromised or broken skin is contraindicated due to potential stinging and enhanced absorption risks.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Max tested
The extract is not recommended for topical use if it contains safrole. IFRA guidelines suggest total safrole, isosafrole, and dihydrosafrole content should not exceed 0.01% in consumer products.%
Sensitization risk High

Sassafras containing safrole is classified as LIKELY UNSAFE for topical use by regulatory bodies, posing risks of carcinogenesis, liver damage, and skin sensitization. The US FDA has prohibited safrole as a flavoring or fragrance, and its external use is strongly discouraged. Even formulations labeled 'safrole-free' have been subject to scientific claims of increased tumor risk. Adherence to strict regulatory limits, such as the IFRA's 0.01% maximum for total safrole, isosafrole, and dihydrosafrole in consumer products, is mandatory if considering any derivative, though general avoidance is prudent.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Avoid

Given the severe, well-documented carcinogenic and irritant properties primarily attributed to safrole, Sassafras Officinale Bark Extract is strongly advised against for any cosmetic or dermal application.

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