Althaea Officinalis Extract

TL;DR. This ingredient is primarily a skin-conditioning botanical extract, valued for mucilage-like polysaccharides that give a soft, hydrated feel. It can also add light film-forming and soothing sensory properties in skin, scalp, and hair products.

What does Althaea Officinalis Extract do in a cosmetic formula?

This ingredient is primarily a skin-conditioning botanical extract, valued for mucilage-like polysaccharides that give a soft, hydrated feel. It can also add light film-forming and soothing sensory properties in skin, scalp, and hair products.

Is Althaea Officinalis Extract clean?

From a clean-beauty perspective, this ingredient is generally well tolerated and has no major restricted-list issues. As with many botanicals, quality depends on extraction solvent, preservation, residual impurities, and batch-to-batch plant composition.

Is Althaea Officinalis Extract sustainable?

This material is plant-derived and renewable, and water, glycerin, or alcohol extracts are expected to be readily biodegradable. Its sustainability profile is strongest when the crop is responsibly grown and the extract is made with low-impact solvents.

Is Althaea Officinalis Extract COSMOS-approved?

It is generally permitted under COSMOS-natural and may contribute to COSMOS-organic content when the plant source and processing meet the standard. It aligns well with Green Chemistry when made from renewable feedstock using water, glycerin, or ethanol and minimal processing.

How does Althaea Officinalis Extract work chemically?

The extract contains hydrophilic polysaccharides, along with smaller amounts of phenolic compounds and flavonoids, which help explain its water-binding and light film-forming behavior. Typical cosmetic use is often around 0.5 to 5% for liquid extracts, with aqueous versions requiring preservation and compatibility checks for clarity, viscosity, and microbial control.

Last updated 2026-05-13