Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract

Sophora angustifolia root extract is a botanical extract used for soothing/brightening and anti-inflammatory claims (often at ~0.1–2%), but it contains bioactive alkaloids and flavonoids that can trigger irritant or allergic contact dermatitis in a subset of sensitive users. Clinical patch-test literature on this specific extract is limited and “plant extract” reactions are a recurrent pattern in eczema-prone patients, especially with leave-on products and compromised barriers. Given the uncertainty and the real-world sensitization potential of botanicals, I score it as mild irritancy rather than assuming it is inherently gentle. Safety Notes: In mass-market and prestige leave-on products (brightening/soothing serums, lotions, and toners), Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract is often used as a minor botanical support ingredient at very low levels (~0.001–0.05%), especially when supplied as a dilute glycerin/butylene glycol extract. Higher-strength consumer products (targeted spot treatments, concentrated serums, and some K-beauty brightening formulas) can use the extract at 1–5% when the trade material is a standardized liquid extract or when marketed as a hero botanical, with 5% representing the upper end seen in OTC leave-on formulations; rinse-off products typically sit toward the low end due to brief contact time.