Rutin
Bioflavonoid from buckwheat, Japanese pagoda tree and citrus. Antioxidant, systemically – an angioprotective agent for venous insufficiency and couperose. Penetrates skin poorly because of a large glycoside moiety, so cosmetics more often use derivatives with better bioavailability.
Evidence by route
Topical application
In vitro antioxidant profile is strong, but topical bioavailability is low. For visible effect on vascular network derivatives like troxerutin and hydroxypropyltrimonium conjugates are clinically more convincing.
- CIR Cosmetic Ingredient Review safety assessment.
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
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Rutin (Rutoside, Quercetin-3-rutinoside) is a bioflavonoid from buckwheat, Japanese pagoda tree, citrus, and rowan. A quercetin glycoside with the disaccharide rutinose. Systemically (Venoruton, Anavenol oral preparations) used for chronic venous insufficiency and capillary fragility. On skin – an angioprotectant and antioxidant. Where applied. Anti-redness face creams and serums, products for rosacea patients, eye-contour products, anti-aging formulas (0.1-2%). In Spain – in Sesderma Daeses, Mussvital, certain La Roche-Posay sensitive-skin lines. Bioavailability – the bottleneck. The rutin molecule is large due to the rutinose moiety and penetrates intact epidermis poorly. Cosmetics more often use alpha-glucosyl rutin or hydroxyethyl rutosides – derivatives with better lipophilicity and penetration. The label form matters. Evidence base. Pancorbo 2017 in endothelial cell cultures showed reinforcement of the capillary wall and reduced permeability. Systemically – Cesarone 2010 (n=312) showed improvement in chronic venous insufficiency symptoms after 4 weeks of intake. Topical clinical RCTs for the face are isolated; for couperose and rosacea it is used by analogy with the systemic effect. Safety. CIR confirmed safety of rutin and its derivatives in cosmetics (Final Report 2014). Hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic. Systemic side effects from oral use are rare (dyspepsia, headache). Topically – no significant issues. Pregnancy and lactation – topically safe. Oral rutin in pregnancy (for venous insufficiency and hemorrhoids) is acceptable from the second trimester at the treating physician's decision; cosmetic forms have no restrictions.
Frequently asked questions
Is Rutin safe during pregnancy?
Rutin is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Rutin for?
Rutin suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Rutin and what does it do in cosmetics?
Bioflavonoid from buckwheat, Japanese pagoda tree and citrus.
What's the INCI name for Rutin?
The INCI name is Rutin. It may also appear as: Rutoside, Quercetin-3-rutinoside.
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