Ingredient review

Clausena Lansium Leaf Extract

INCI: Clausena Lansium Leaf Extract

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its skincare benefits is still limited.

beautyskincareantioxidant

In plain English

This is an extract from the leaves of the wampee tree, a fruit native to Asia. In skincare, it's used to provide antioxidant protection, which means it may help defend your skin from damage caused by environmental stressors like pollution and UV rays. It's also thought to have soothing properties, making it a mild option for most skin types. However, there isn't a lot of human research yet, so its benefits are mostly based on traditional use and early lab studies.

Review score

Safety, usefulness, and evidence

3.8Good
3.8/ 5

Potentially useful with some tradeoffs

The evidence base is still emerging, so marketing claims deserve extra caution.

Risk flags are low for most users, though the finished product can still irritate.

Source
natural
Evidence
emerging
Irritation
low
Clogging risk
low
How reviews are scored

Quick decision guide

Useful, but context matters

Clausena Lansium Leaf Extract is generally a lower-concern ingredient when the full formula suits your skin.

Plain-English read

Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.

  1. Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Clausena Lansium Leaf Extract.
  2. Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
  3. Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.

Score terms in plain English

Irritation risk

low

Less likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.

Clogging risk

low

Less likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.

Evidence level

emerging

The ingredient may be promising, but claims should be treated more cautiously.

What it is

Clausena Lansium Leaf Extract is a natural ingredient derived from the leaves of the Clausena lansium tree, also known as wampee. The leaves contain various bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and coumarins, which are believed to contribute to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

How it works

In a cosmetic product, this extract works primarily by donating electrons to neutralize free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage skin cells and accelerate aging. Its soothing action is thought to come from compounds that calm inflammatory pathways in the skin, potentially reducing redness and irritation.

Pros

Gentle antioxidant

Provides free-radical protection without the irritation sometimes associated with stronger antioxidants like vitamin C.

Soothing potential

May help calm redness and irritation, making it suitable for sensitive skin routines.

Cons and cautions

Limited research

Most evidence comes from lab studies, not human clinical trials, so the real-world benefits are not fully proven.

Allergy risk

As a plant extract, it can cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to citrus or related plants, though this is rare.

Best for

  • Anyone looking for a mild antioxidant ingredient
  • People with sensitive or reactive skin seeking gentle soothing options

Use caution if

  • Individuals with known allergies to citrus or Rutaceae family plants

Usage tips

Use in a serum or moisturizer to layer with other antioxidants for enhanced protection.
Patch test before first use, especially if you have known plant allergies.

Safety summary

Clausena Lansium Leaf Extract is considered safe for topical use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. Allergic reactions are possible but uncommon. As with any new ingredient, a patch test is recommended.

Research notes

Current research is limited to in vitro (lab) studies showing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. There are no published human clinical trials specifically evaluating its cosmetic benefits, so its efficacy is supported mainly by traditional use and preliminary data.

Common label clues

Typical concentration
0.1% to 2% in leave-on products
Regulatory status
Generally recognized as safe for cosmetic use in the US and EU, with no specific restrictions beyond standard cosmetic ingredient regulations.
Common uses
Serums, Moisturizers, Toner
Environmental note
The wampee tree is cultivated in tropical regions; sourcing practices vary, so look for brands that emphasize sustainable harvesting if this is a concern.

Good to know

  • The wampee fruit is sometimes eaten fresh or used in traditional medicine in parts of Asia.
  • This extract is often found in formulations alongside other soothing ingredients like centella asiatica or niacinamide.

Common questions

What is Clausena Lansium Leaf Extract in beauty products?

This is an extract from the leaves of the wampee tree, a fruit native to Asia. In skincare, it's used to provide antioxidant protection, which means it may help defend your skin from damage caused by environmental stressors like pollution and UV rays. It's also thought to have soothing properties, making it a mild option for most skin types. However, there isn't a lot of human research yet, so its benefits are mostly based on traditional use and early lab studies.

What does Clausena Lansium Leaf Extract do in a beauty product?

In a cosmetic product, this extract works primarily by donating electrons to neutralize free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage skin cells and accelerate aging. Its soothing action is thought to come from compounds that calm inflammatory pathways in the skin, potentially reducing redness and irritation.

Is Clausena Lansium Leaf Extract safe for most people?

Clausena Lansium Leaf Extract is considered safe for topical use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. Allergic reactions are possible but uncommon. As with any new ingredient, a patch test is recommended.

Who should be careful with Clausena Lansium Leaf Extract?

Individuals with known allergies to citrus or Rutaceae family plants

Research sources

INCI Database - Clausena Lansium Leaf ExtractOpenPubMed - Antioxidant activity of Clausena lansiumOpen

Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.