Althaea Officinalis Root Extract

Althaea officinalis root extract is a soothing, lightly emollient plant extract that’s been shown to offset the rise of enzymes within skin that, left unchecked, break down hyaluronic acid. As such, it can also be said that this plant helps maintain skin’s hydration.

The mucilage (a gelatinous fluid) of this plant contains skin-smoothing polysaccharides including glucuronic acid, rhamnose and galactose. Usage levels in cosmetics range from 1–5% when in solution with ingredients such as glycerin or various glycols. In such a blend, approximately 2–5% is Althaea officinalis root, meaning it doesn’t take much to get visible results from this plant.

Along with documented soothing benefits, Althaea officinalis root has also been shown to interrupt oxidative damage generated within skin after exposure to UVA light, although this benefit varied based on how the plant was grown and cultivated.