Ingredient review
Clerodendron Stem Extract
INCI: CLERODENDRON TRICHOTOMUM STEM EXTRACT
A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in human skin.
In plain English
This is an extract made from the stems of a flowering shrub called Clerodendrum trichotomum. In skincare, it's added to products for its ability to help calm the skin and fight free radicals—unstable molecules that can damage skin cells. Think of it like a mild, plant-based helper that may support your skin's natural defenses, though we don't have strong human studies yet to confirm how well it works.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
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
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Clerodendron Stem 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.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Clerodendron Stem Extract.
- Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
- 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
lowLess likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.
Clogging risk
lowLess likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.
Evidence level
emergingThe ingredient may be promising, but claims should be treated more cautiously.
What it is
A natural extract derived from the stems of Clerodendrum trichotomum, a plant traditionally used in East Asian herbal medicine. The extract contains various plant compounds like flavonoids and phenolics that are thought to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.
How it works
In a cosmetic product, this extract is believed to donate electrons to neutralize free radicals, potentially reducing oxidative stress on the skin. It may also help calm redness or irritation by influencing inflammatory pathways, though the exact mechanisms in human skin are not fully established.
Pros
Gentle on skin
Low irritation and comedogenic risk makes it suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin types.
Natural antioxidant
Derived from a plant source, it may help protect skin from free radical damage without harsh synthetic chemicals.
Cons and cautions
Limited evidence
Most research is lab-based or early-stage; there are no robust human clinical trials confirming its efficacy in skincare.
Uncertain potency
The concentration and activity can vary widely between products, so you may not get consistent results.
Best for
- Anyone looking for a gentle, plant-based antioxidant
- Those with sensitive or easily irritated skin who want a soothing ingredient
Use caution if
- People with known allergies to Clerodendrum species
- Those seeking ingredients with strong clinical evidence for anti-aging
Usage tips
Safety summary
Based on available data, this extract appears to have low irritation and allergy potential. However, due to limited human safety studies, it's best used in moderation and with a patch test if you have sensitive skin or plant allergies.
Research notes
Early laboratory studies suggest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, but there are no published human clinical trials on topical use for skin benefits. More research is needed to confirm efficacy and safety.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- Typically 0.1% to 2% in leave-on products
- Regulatory status
- Generally recognized as safe for cosmetic use in rinse-off and leave-on products at typical concentrations, though not specifically reviewed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel.
- Common uses
- Soothing serums, Calming moisturizers, Anti-aging formulations
- Environmental note
- Sourced from a shrub that is native to East Asia; cultivation practices are not widely documented, so sustainability is uncertain.
Good to know
- Clerodendrum trichotomum is also known as 'glory bower' or 'harlequin glory bower'.
- In traditional medicine, different parts of the plant have been used for various purposes, but cosmetic use is relatively new.
Common questions
What is Clerodendron Stem Extract in beauty products?
This is an extract made from the stems of a flowering shrub called Clerodendrum trichotomum. In skincare, it's added to products for its ability to help calm the skin and fight free radicals—unstable molecules that can damage skin cells. Think of it like a mild, plant-based helper that may support your skin's natural defenses, though we don't have strong human studies yet to confirm how well it works.
What does Clerodendron Stem Extract do in a beauty product?
In a cosmetic product, this extract is believed to donate electrons to neutralize free radicals, potentially reducing oxidative stress on the skin. It may also help calm redness or irritation by influencing inflammatory pathways, though the exact mechanisms in human skin are not fully established.
Is Clerodendron Stem Extract safe for most people?
Based on available data, this extract appears to have low irritation and allergy potential. However, due to limited human safety studies, it's best used in moderation and with a patch test if you have sensitive skin or plant allergies.
Who should be careful with Clerodendron Stem Extract?
People with known allergies to Clerodendrum species Those seeking ingredients with strong clinical evidence for anti-aging
Research sources
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.