Uncaria Tomentosa Extract

Uncaria tomentosa (cat’s claw) extract is a botanical antioxidant/soothing claim ingredient typically used at low percentages, but plant extracts contain multiple alkaloids/polyphenols that can act as sensitizers and are a recurring trigger in eczema-prone, highly reactive skin. Robust irritation/HRIPT data for topical use is limited, so from a patient-safety standpoint it should be treated as a moderate-risk ingredient with meaningful potential for stinging, dermatitis, or delayed allergy in susceptible users—patch testing is prudent. Safety Notes: In mass-market leave-on products, Uncaria tomentosa (cat’s claw) extract is most often used as a minor antioxidant/soothing botanical at very low levels (typically fractions of a percent), with the lowest observed commercial usages around 0.001% in multi-botanical blends where it supports a marketing claim rather than driving efficacy. Higher-strength consumer-available serums/creams marketed around concentrated botanicals and “anti-inflammatory/anti-aging” positioning can reach about 1–5% when the extract is supplied as a dry extract equivalent (or high-solids glycerin/propylene glycol extract) and formulation aesthetics/stability permit. There is no specific FDA/EU cosmetic maximum for this botanical; practical limits are instead driven by extract solvent system, color/odor, and irritation/sensitization risk, and rinse-off products generally sit toward the lower end due to short contact time.