Zingiber Officinale Root Extract
A ginger root extract with antioxidants. It helps protect skin from free radicals and tones. Well tolerated.
Evidence by route
Topical application
An antioxidant plant extract. 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
The root of Zingiber officinale has been used in Asian cuisine and medicine for millennia. In cosmetics it appears as an aqueous, glycolic, or CO2 root extract. The biologically active components: • Gingerols (especially 6-gingerol) – phenolic molecules with in-vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. • Shogaols – dehydration products of gingerols, formed when the root is dried. • Essential oil – zingiberene, bisabolene, geraniol, citral (the last two are declared EU fragrance allergens). INCI: Zingiber Officinale Root Extract. Claimed cosmetic action. Marketing promotes ginger as: 1. Antioxidant – confirmed in vitro, but clinical skin RCTs are few. 2. Microcirculation stimulator – a real gingerol effect via TRPV1 (skin heat receptor) activation, the same mechanism that causes the stinging sensation. 3. Anti-aging – in-vitro collagen-stimulation claims; not confirmed on humans. Pregnancy safety. Topical use at cosmetic concentrations (0.1-1%) is safe. Systemic phenolic absorption through the skin is minimal. Oral high-dose ginger (>1 g/day) in pregnancy is debated – no firm recommendation exists. This does not apply to cosmetics. Skin tolerance. Medium irritation potential – sensitive, rosacea-prone, and couperose skin may experience stinging and redness from TRPV1 activation. The essential oil contains citral and geraniol, listed among the 26 declared EU fragrance allergens. Non-comedogenic. Not suitable for couperose, rosacea, or active eczema. Acceptable for normal and oily skin at moderate concentrations.
Frequently asked questions
Is Zingiber Officinale Root Extract safe during pregnancy?
Zingiber Officinale Root Extract is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Zingiber Officinale Root Extract for?
Zingiber Officinale Root Extract suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Zingiber Officinale Root Extract and what does it do in cosmetics?
A ginger root extract with antioxidants.
What's the INCI name for Zingiber Officinale Root Extract?
The INCI name is Zingiber Officinale Root Extract. It may also appear as: Ginger Root Extract, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Extracto de raíz de jengibre.
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