Aspalathus Linearis Extract

Aspalathus linearis (rooibos) extract is primarily used as an antioxidant/soothing botanical, typically at low concentrations in leave-on products, and is generally well-tolerated in clinical and consumer use. However, as a plant-derived extract with complex polyphenols, it carries a non-zero risk of irritation or allergic contact dermatitis in highly reactive or eczema-prone individuals, especially in compromised skin barriers. Given that sensitization to botanicals is uncommon but clinically documented, I score it as gentle rather than very gentle. Safety Notes: In commercial skincare, Aspalathus linearis (rooibos) extract is often used at very low levels (around 0.001–0.05%) as a label-claim antioxidant/soothing botanical in emulsions and toners, especially when supplied as a diluted glycerin/propylene glycol extract. Higher-strength consumer leave-on serums, masks, and antioxidant creams using more concentrated extracts or dry-extract equivalents commonly reach ~1–3%, with the upper end around 5% seen in some niche 'high-antioxidant' formulas; rinse-off products are typically lower due to short contact time. No specific EU/FDA maximum is set for this botanical, so the practical market cap is driven by stability, odor/color, and irritation/compatibility constraints rather than regulation.