Althaea Officinalis ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is used mainly as a botanical skin-conditioning agent, with humectant and light film-forming effects from its mucilage-rich polysaccharides.
What does Althaea Officinalis do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is used mainly as a botanical skin-conditioning agent, with humectant and light film-forming effects from its mucilage-rich polysaccharides.
Is Althaea Officinalis clean?
From a clean beauty perspective, it is generally well tolerated and not a common restricted-list concern. Sensitivity is possible with any botanical extract, and the full formula matters because extracts may include added solvents or preservatives.
Is Althaea Officinalis sustainable?
This material is plant-derived, renewable, and expected to be readily biodegradable. Its sustainability profile is strongest when sourced from responsibly grown crops and extracted with water, glycerin, or ethanol rather than more intensive solvents.
Is Althaea Officinalis COSMOS-approved?
It is generally permitted under COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic standards when made from approved plant material using allowed extraction methods and compliant preservatives. It aligns well with Green Chemistry when processed with low-impact solvents and minimal synthetic modification.
How does Althaea Officinalis work chemically?
The molecule profile is not a single compound, but a mixture rich in high-molecular-weight polysaccharides, with smaller amounts of flavonoids, phenolic acids, and other plant constituents. Typical cosmetic use depends on extract strength, often around 0.5% to 5%, and the polysaccharide fraction can add slip, mild viscosity, and a hydration film while requiring good preservation in water-based formulas.
Last updated 2026-05-16