Anastatica Hierochuntica Extract
Drought-tolerant plant marketed as a 'reviving' ingredient through water-retaining polysaccharides.
Evidence by route
Topical application
Plant extract. Clinically meaningful effect on human skin is not supported by robust evidence; data limited to in vitro / lab models.
How to read tiers A–F
- CWeak evidence. In vitro data, open-label studies, or expert consensus
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Unknown
About this ingredient
Anastatica Hierochuntica Extract ('rose of Jericho', a Middle-Eastern desert crucifer) is an extract of the dried plant. Contains water-retaining polysaccharides, flavonoids, phenolic compounds. Marketing legend. In dry form the plant curls into a ball and waits decades for rain – it opens within hours of contact with water. Marketers transfer this 'reviving' ability to skin: 'restore your skin's ability to hold moisture'. Mechanism. Water-soluble polysaccharides bind water in the stratum corneum (humectant). In vitro antioxidant activity from flavonoids. Where applied. Anti-aging serums and creams (0.5–3%), masks, anti-dryness products. Often in lines with 'desert superfoods' or 'wonders of nature' marketing. Evidence base. No direct clinical RCTs with endpoints. Only in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Safety. CIR has not assessed it individually. Contact dermatitis is rare. Possible allergy in patients reactive to crucifers. Pregnancy and lactation – no data. Avoid as a precaution. Realistic take. A marketing botanical with weak clinical evidence. If the formula has proven actives (hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides), rose-of-Jericho is a neutral add-on.
Frequently asked questions
Is Anastatica Hierochuntica Extract safe during pregnancy?
Safety data for Anastatica Hierochuntica Extract during pregnancy is insufficient. Best avoided when in doubt.
What is Anastatica Hierochuntica Extract and what does it do in cosmetics?
Drought-tolerant plant marketed as a 'reviving' ingredient through water-retaining polysaccharides.
What's the INCI name for Anastatica Hierochuntica Extract?
The INCI name is Anastatica Hierochuntica Extract.
See Anastatica Hierochuntica Extract in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
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