Pancratium Maritimum Extract
Bulb extract of sea daffodil (Pancratium maritimum). Contains the alkaloids pancratistatin and lycorine. Marketing promotes anti-aging and slimming effects, but clinical human evidence is limited – most data are in vitro. Safe topically during pregnancy.
Evidence by route
Topical application
Evidence at the level of in-vitro and manufacturer-funded studies. Independent human RCTs are scarce. Traffic light YELLOW – niche ingredient whose marketing reputation outpaces the actual evidence.
- Codif Helionie technical brochure, 2018.
- Bastida J et al. Chemical and biological aspects of Amaryllidaceae alkaloids. Curr Top Med Chem 2011;11:1689-1715. DOI 10.1002/chin.200915256
How to read tiers A–F
- DNo data, or very weak or conflicting data
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination
- Use with caution
- Sensitive
About this ingredient
Pancratium maritimum (sea daffodil) is a bulbous plant of the Amaryllidaceae family from Mediterranean coasts. It grows on sand dunes. The bulb contains a characteristic set of alkaloids: pancratistatin, lycorine, haemanthamine, tazettine. In vitro, these molecules show antitumor and antiviral activity – the basis of the original pharmacological interest. INCI: Pancratium Maritimum Extract. Trade names: Helionie (Codif), Pancrathione. In cosmetics it is used as an aqueous-glycolic or glycolic bulb extract. Manufacturers promote it in three directions: 1. Anti-aging – claimed stimulation of proteasome activity and reduction of stratum-corneum protein carbonylation. 2. Brightening – tyrosinase inhibition and pigment spot lightening. 3. Body slimming – lipolysis activation in adipocytes. Actual evidence. Most published data are from cell cultures and rare animal in-vivo studies. Independent peer-reviewed RCTs in humans are scarce. Codif has published several in-house studies with positive results, but without independent replication this is weak evidence. Pregnancy safety. Topical use at cosmetic concentrations (1-3% extract) is safe. Systemic absorption of alkaloids through the skin is minimal. Oral intake of the extract or bulb decoction during pregnancy is contraindicated – lycorine is toxic at high doses and theoretically uterotonic. This applies only to oral intake, not cosmetic use. Skin tolerance. Low irritation and allergen potential at cosmetic concentrations. Suitable for most skin types. People allergic to daffodils and amaryllidaceae may cross-react.
Frequently asked questions
Is Pancratium Maritimum Extract safe during pregnancy?
Pancratium Maritimum Extract is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Pancratium Maritimum Extract for?
Pancratium Maritimum Extract suits: normal, dry, combination. Use with caution in: sensitive.
What is Pancratium Maritimum Extract and what does it do in cosmetics?
Bulb extract of sea daffodil (Pancratium maritimum).
Is Pancratium Maritimum Extract comedogenic?
On the Fulton scale 0/5 – non-comedogenic. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
What's the INCI name for Pancratium Maritimum Extract?
The INCI name is Pancratium Maritimum Extract. It may also appear as: Sea Daffodil Extract, Helionie.
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