Quercetin
A plant flavonoid antioxidant. It helps soothe skin and protect it from free radicals. Well tolerated.
Evidence by route
Topical application
An antioxidant active. Safe.
- CIR Cosmetic Ingredient Review safety assessment
How to read tiers A–F
- BLimited evidence. One RCT or several controlled studies with limitations
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Quercetin is a plant flavonoid, a strong antioxidant found in onions, apples, and berries. INCI: Quercetin. In a formula it works as an antioxidant: it neutralizes free radicals, supports defense against oxidative stress, and shows anti-inflammatory potential in lab models. The antioxidant mechanism is clear, but topical clinical data on a standalone skincare effect are limited, and quercetin is poorly soluble and unstable, which lowers its bioavailability in a formula. It is a supporting active rather than a treatment with a large evidence base. Pregnancy safety. Topical use is systemically negligible, with no evidence of harm. It can be used during pregnancy and lactation. Tolerance. Irritation and allergen potential are low.
Frequently asked questions
Is Quercetin safe during pregnancy?
Quercetin is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Quercetin for?
Quercetin suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Quercetin and what does it do in cosmetics?
A plant flavonoid antioxidant.
What's the INCI name for Quercetin?
The INCI name is Quercetin.
See Quercetin 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 role in the formula
Explore by category
Ingredients in the same category
Red Clover Extract, Resveratrol, Resveratrol Dimethyl Ether, Resveratrolarginine, Tripeptide-1, Bis-Ethylhexyl Hydroxydimethoxy Benzylmalonate, Glycolic Acid, Nicotiana Benthamiana sh-Polypeptide-7
Published: · updated: