Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract
Extract of Tasmanian pepper fruit or leaves. Anti-inflammatory data come only from mouse cells. The plant's pungent terpenes activate the irritant receptor TRPA1, and tolerance in people has not been studied
Evidence by route
Topical application
The soothing effect has been studied only in cells: a polyphenol-rich leaf extract lowered inflammatory markers in mouse macrophages (Guo 2014). It has not been tested in people. The plant's pungent terpenes activate the irritant receptor TRPA1 (Mathie 2017), so the claim of reduced skin sensitivity has no support
- C
Soothing
In mouse macrophages a leaf extract lowered inflammatory markers less strongly than anise and lemon myrtle (Guo 2014), and a soothing effect has not been studied in people
- D
Reduces skin sensitivity
There are no studies in sensitive skin, and the plant's pungent terpenes, polygodial among them, activate the irritant receptor TRPA1 (Mathie 2017)
- Guo Y et al. Anti-inflammatory potential of native Australian herbs polyphenols. Toxicol Rep. 2014;1:385-390. PMID 28962255
- Mathie K et al. Structure-Pungency Relationships and TRP Channel Activation of Drimane Sesquiterpenes in Tasmanian Pepper (Tasmannia lanceolata). J Agric Food Chem. 2017;65(28):5700-5712. PMID 28657737
- Gaillard E et al. Tasmannia lanceolata leaf extract alleviates stretch mark appearance in a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial in women and stimulates extracellular matrix synthesis in ex vivo human skin explants. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021;20(6):1923-1932. PMID 33048421
How to read tiers A–F
- CWeak evidence. In vitro data, open-label studies, or expert consensus
- DNo data, or very weak or conflicting data
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Unknown
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Tasmannia lanceolata (Tasmanian or mountain pepper) is an Australian shrub; the cosmetic ingredient is an extract of its fruit or leaves. The leaves contain water-soluble polyphenols and pungent drimane sesquiterpenes, mainly polygodial (Guo 2014; Gaillard 2021). Polygodial is a sesquiterpene dialdehyde, not a polyphenol. Cell data point in two directions. A polyphenol-rich leaf extract lowered COX-2, iNOS, prostaglandin E2 and nitric oxide in LPS-stimulated mouse macrophages. But it was the weakest iNOS inhibitor of the herbs tested, and the authors rated anise myrtle and lemon myrtle higher (Guo 2014). Polygodial and two related terpenes from the berries are pungent and activate TRPA1, a receptor that senses irritants, in cells and mouse sensory neurons (Mathie 2017). Soothing effects and skin sensitivity have not been studied in people. The only human trial concerns stretch marks. In a randomized double-blind design, 29 women aged 25–60 applied a leaf extract or placebo daily for 8 weeks. In the extract group, roughness of stretch marks fell by week 8 and firmness rose from week 4; ultrasound showed higher dermal density and thickness than with placebo. The first author works for the raw-material supplier, and the abstract gives neither the concentration nor figures (Gaillard 2021). There are no data on skin tolerance in people. There are no data on use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract safe during pregnancy?
Safety data for Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract during pregnancy is insufficient. Best avoided when in doubt.
What skin types is Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract for?
Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract and what does it do in cosmetics?
Extract of Tasmanian pepper fruit or leaves.
What's the INCI name for Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract?
The INCI name is Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract. It may also appear as: Mountain Pepper Extract.
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