Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract

Cardiospermum halicacabum (balloon vine) extract is primarily used as a soothing/anti-inflammatory botanical in leave-on products, typically at low concentrations (~0.1–2%). While generally well-tolerated and sometimes used in eczema-prone skin, botanical extracts can still trigger irritant or allergic contact dermatitis in a minority of highly reactive patients due to complex, variable plant constituents. Given this sensitization potential despite its calming intent, a gentle-but-not-zero risk score is most appropriate for patient safety. Safety Notes: In commercial skincare, Cardiospermum halicacabum extract is most often used as a soothing/anti-redness botanical at very low levels when it is part of a multi-extract complex or a standardized supplier blend, with finished-product inclusion commonly starting around 0.001–0.05% (especially in leave-on moisturizers/serums for sensitive skin and some rinse-off cleansers). Higher-strength consumer OTC products (typically leave-on balms, barrier creams, or “eczema/itch relief”-positioned cosmetics) sometimes use single-botanical dosing around 1–3%, and a practical upper end observed in marketed formulas is ~5% due to color/odor, stability, and irritation/sensory constraints rather than regulatory limits.