Malt Extract
Sprouted barley extract. Source of polysaccharides and B vitamins. Used as a conditioner; topical clinical data is limited.
Evidence by route
Topical application
Plant extract with humectant effect from polysaccharides. No proven standalone clinical activity. Note: contains cereal proteins, theoretical allergy risk for patients with celiac disease.
How to read tiers A–F
- DNo data, or very weak or conflicting data
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Moderate
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination
- Use with caution
- Sensitive
About this ingredient
Malt Extract (Hordeum Vulgare Extract) is an aqueous extract of malted, dried barley. Composition: maltose, glucose, amino acids, B vitamins, minerals. Mechanism. Sugars act as humectants – retain moisture in the stratum corneum. Amino acids replenish the natural moisturizing factor (NMF). B vitamins have anti-inflammatory effect. Where applied. Moisturizing creams, serums, shampoos, conditioners. Concentration 0.5–5%. A rare ingredient, more often in niche and craft cosmetics. Evidence base. No clinical RCTs; the evidence rests on the well-known properties of sugars and amino acids. CIR confirmed safety. Pregnancy and lactation – topically safe. Hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic.
Frequently asked questions
Is Malt Extract safe during pregnancy?
Malt Extract is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Malt Extract for?
Malt Extract suits: normal, dry, combination. Use with caution in: sensitive.
What is Malt Extract and what does it do in cosmetics?
Sprouted barley extract.
What's the INCI name for Malt Extract?
The INCI name is Hordeum Vulgare Extract. It may also appear as: Malt Extract, Barley Extract.
See Malt 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.
Similar in action
More ingredients in the database
Menthol, Menthyl Lactate, Methyl 2-Octynoate, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Quaternium-15, Amyl Cinnamal, Citrus Nobilis Mandarin Peel Oil, Fragrance (Parfum)
Published: · updated: