Anastatica Hierochuntica Extract

Anastatica hierochuntica ("resurrection plant") extract is primarily a soothing/humectant-support botanical used at low concentrations (typically <1–3%) and is not known to have intrinsic keratolytic or strongly bioactive (acid/retinoid-like) irritation mechanisms. However, like many plant extracts it is a chemically complex mixture and can trigger irritant or allergic contact dermatitis in a small but meaningful subset of sensitive or eczematous patients, especially in leave-on products and when combined with multiple botanicals. Given limited robust patch-test data compared with standard actives and the need to protect highly reactive skin, I rate it as gentle but not “very gentle.” Safety Notes: In commercial INCI-based skincare, Anastatica hierochuntica (resurrection plant) extract is most often used as a marketing/claims botanical at very low levels (commonly around 0.001–0.1% active extract in emulsions/serums), with the lowest observed levels appearing in long INCI lists where it functions primarily as a label claim. Higher-strength consumer products (leave-on serums/ampoules and some soothing gels) can use 1–5% when the raw material is a glycerin/butanediol/water extract or similar supplier-grade extract, with 5% representing the upper end seen in OTC products before sensorial, stability, color/odor, and cost constraints typically limit further increases; rinse-off products generally sit toward the low end due to limited contact time.