Saururus Chinensis Extract
Extract of Chinese lizard's tail – a traditional East Asian medicinal plant. Contains lignans and alkaloids. No topical evidence base.
Evidence by route
Topical application
Niche Asian botanical extract. No evidence base for topical use.
How to read tiers A–F
- DNo data, or very weak or conflicting data
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Caution
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Oily, Combination
- Use with caution
- Sensitive
About this ingredient
Chinese lizard tail extract (Saururus Chinensis Extract) is an extract from the aerial parts of Chinese lizard's tail, a traditional plant in East Asian medicine. In Korean medicine Sam-baekcho is used for edema and inflammatory skin disease. Active compounds: lignans (sauchinone A and B), alkaloids, flavonoids. Where applied. In niche K-beauty formulas with 'brightening, anti-inflammatory, anti-pollution' marketing (0.1-1%), in dull-skin products, in problem-skin products with post-acne pigment marks. On the Spanish market – in niche K-beauty online stores, individual niche brand products. Evidence base. In vitro studies in melanocyte cultures (Seo 2010) showed tyrosinase inhibition and reduced melanin synthesis – brightening potential. Lizard tail lignans show anti-inflammatory activity in UV skin damage models. No topical clinical RCTs in humans. Evidence level – C/D. Safety. EU CosIng permits use, but mass use experience outside Asia is limited. Allergic reactions are rare. Non-comedogenic. People reactive to related Saururaceae plants – use with caution. Pregnancy and lactation – use with caution. Systemically (oral use in traditional East Asian medicine) lizard tail is contraindicated in pregnancy due to theoretical uterine tone effects. Topically at cosmetic concentrations systemic absorption is essentially absent, but due to lack of data manufacturers label CAUTION. Safer to avoid in pregnancy products.
Frequently asked questions
Is Saururus Chinensis Extract safe during pregnancy?
Saururus Chinensis Extract should be used with caution during pregnancy. Consulting a dermatologist or OB-GYN is advisable.
What skin types is Saururus Chinensis Extract for?
Saururus Chinensis Extract suits: normal, dry, oily, combination. Use with caution in: sensitive.
What is Saururus Chinensis Extract and what does it do in cosmetics?
Extract of Chinese lizard's tail – a traditional East Asian medicinal plant.
What's the INCI name for Saururus Chinensis Extract?
The INCI name is Saururus Chinensis Extract. It may also appear as: Chinese Lizard Tail Extract.
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