Ficus Carica Fruit Extract

Ficus carica (fig) fruit extract is primarily used as a botanical antioxidant/humectant at low concentrations, but it contains a complex mixture of sugars, organic acids, and plant phenolics that can sting or irritate compromised skin. Botanical extracts also carry a non-trivial risk of delayed sensitization/allergic contact dermatitis in eczema-prone patients due to batch variability and trace fragrance-like constituents. Given this variability and the higher reactivity seen in sensitive-skin populations, I rate it as moderate irritation potential with patch testing recommended. Safety Notes: In mass-market leave-on creams/lotions and many rinse-off cleansers, Ficus carica (fig) fruit extract is commonly used as a low-level botanical label claim, often around 0.0005–0.1% active extract (or equivalent within a compounded botanical blend). Higher concentrations are observed in natural/organic-positioned serums, masks, and exfoliating/brightening leave-on products where fig extract is a primary featured botanical, typically ~1–5% depending on extract type and solvent system. There are no specific FDA/EU maximum concentration limits for this INCI as such; practical upper bounds are driven by odor/color, stability, and irritation potential rather than regulation.