Phytonadione

TL;DR. It functions as an oil-soluble skin-conditioning active, most often used in creams and serums aimed at visible redness, post-procedure discoloration, or uneven under-eye tone.

What does Phytonadione do in a cosmetic formula?

It functions as an oil-soluble skin-conditioning active, most often used in creams and serums aimed at visible redness, post-procedure discoloration, or uneven under-eye tone.

Is Phytonadione clean?

This ingredient has notable clean-standard friction because it is prohibited in EU cosmetics after reports of allergic contact sensitization. Cautious standards flag it for sensitization rather than treating it as a routine low-irritation active.

Is Phytonadione sustainable?

It is typically made by chemical synthesis or isolated from plant-derived sources, so its sourcing profile depends on the supplier route. Its low water solubility and lipophilic structure make the environmental profile less straightforward than simple biodegradable plant oils, though it is not a silicone or fluorinated polymer.

Is Phytonadione COSMOS-approved?

It is not aligned with COSMOS-certified cosmetic use where EU cosmetic compliance is required, since it is prohibited as a cosmetic ingredient there. Its Green Chemistry fit is limited unless a supplier can document natural-origin sourcing, cleaner processing, and tight impurity control.

How does Phytonadione work chemically?

The molecule is a fat-soluble 1,4-naphthoquinone with a long phytyl side chain, so it partitions into oils and lipid phases rather than water. It is sensitive to light and oxidation, so formulators typically pair it with antioxidant support, minimize air and light exposure, and incorporate it into oil phases or anhydrous systems.

Last updated 2026-05-14