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Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract

Baikal skullcap

Well toleratedBotanicalantioxidantsoothingskin conditioning

No meaningful concern for most people; irritation is possible but rare.

Also written as: Baikal Skullcap Root Extract · Chinese Skullcap · Huang Qin

What it is

Scutellaria baicalensis is a member of the mint family whose root has long been used in Chinese herbal medicine. Its characteristic flavonoids, baicalin and baicalein, are strong antioxidants and dampen several inflammatory signalling pathways in laboratory models. It is one of the better-studied cosmetic botanicals and is common in soothing and anti-redness formulas.

What it does well

  • Calms inflammatory skin responses

    Topical Scutellaria baicalensis extract suppressed contact dermatitis responses in animal models, and dermal safety testing found the aqueous extract well tolerated. Human cosmetic trials of the extract alone are scarce.

    Limited evidence

Worth knowing

  • Evidence is largely preclinical

    Most of the supporting data come from cell culture and animal work rather than trials in people using cosmetic products. There is no specific safety signal at cosmetic levels.

    Matters most toAnyone choosing a product mainly for this ingredient's claimed anti-redness effect.

Where the EU stands

No specific restriction

Not listed in any restriction or prohibition annex of the EU Cosmetics Regulation; permitted at the formulator's discretion under the general safety requirement.

Sources (2)

Every link goes to the original: a journal, a PubMed record or an EU document.

  1. [1]
    Assessment of dermal safety of Scutellaria baicalensis aqueous extract topical application on skin hypersensitivity

    Planta Medica · 2013 · doi:10.1055/s-0032-1328714

    Topical application of the aqueous root extract showed a favourable dermal safety profile without evidence of skin sensitisation in the models tested.

  2. [2]
    Topical application of Scutellaria baicalensis suppresses 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced contact dermatitis

    Natural Product Research · 2016 · doi:10.1080/14786419.2015.1038812

    The extract reduced contact dermatitis severity and inflammatory markers in an animal model, supporting a soothing mechanism.

Masks that contain Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract