Ingredient review
Duboisia Leaf Extract
INCI: DUBOISIA LEICHHARDTII LEAF EXTRACT
A gentle botanical extract with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits, but research is limited and it may be unfamiliar to many consumers.
In plain English
Duboisia leaf extract comes from a plant native to Australia. In skincare, it is thought to help calm the skin and protect it from environmental stress, though it is not as well-studied as more common ingredients like green tea or chamomile.
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
Duboisia 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.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Duboisia Leaf 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
Duboisia leichhardtii is a shrub or small tree from the nightshade family, native to Australia. The leaf extract is prepared by soaking the leaves in a solvent to pull out beneficial compounds, which are then concentrated and added to skincare products.
How it works
The extract contains natural antioxidants that may help neutralize free radicals (unstable molecules that can damage skin cells). It may also have mild anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce redness or irritation, though the exact mechanisms are not fully understood.
Pros
Gentle on skin
Low irritation and comedogenic risk make it suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin types.
Antioxidant support
May help protect skin from daily environmental damage, such as pollution and UV exposure.
Cons and cautions
Limited research
There are very few peer-reviewed studies on this specific extract, so its benefits are not well-established.
Potential allergen
As a nightshade plant, it could trigger reactions in people with related allergies, though this is rare.
Best for
- People with sensitive or easily irritated skin looking for gentle soothing ingredients
- Those interested in trying novel botanical extracts in their routine
Use caution if
- Individuals with known allergies to nightshade plants (e.g., tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants)
Usage tips
Safety summary
Duboisia leaf extract is considered safe for topical use at low concentrations, with low irritation and comedogenic potential. However, due to limited safety data, it is best used in moderation and avoided by those with nightshade allergies.
Research notes
There is minimal published research on Duboisia leichhardtii leaf extract specifically for cosmetic use. Most knowledge comes from traditional use and general plant chemistry, not clinical trials.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- Typically used at 0.1–2% in leave-on products
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in many regions, including the EU and US, with no specific restrictions at typical use levels.
- Common uses
- Soothing serums, Calming moisturizers, Anti-aging formulations
- Environmental note
- Duboisia leichhardtii is native to Australia and is not considered endangered, but sustainable wild harvesting or cultivation practices should be verified.
Good to know
- Duboisia species are also used in the pharmaceutical industry to produce alkaloids like scopolamine, but the leaf extract used in cosmetics is processed to minimize these compounds.
- This ingredient is relatively rare in mainstream skincare, so it may be found mostly in niche or natural-focused brands.
Common questions
What is Duboisia Leaf Extract in beauty products?
Duboisia leaf extract comes from a plant native to Australia. In skincare, it is thought to help calm the skin and protect it from environmental stress, though it is not as well-studied as more common ingredients like green tea or chamomile.
What does Duboisia Leaf Extract do in a beauty product?
The extract contains natural antioxidants that may help neutralize free radicals (unstable molecules that can damage skin cells). It may also have mild anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce redness or irritation, though the exact mechanisms are not fully understood.
Is Duboisia Leaf Extract safe for most people?
Duboisia leaf extract is considered safe for topical use at low concentrations, with low irritation and comedogenic potential. However, due to limited safety data, it is best used in moderation and avoided by those with nightshade allergies.
Who should be careful with Duboisia Leaf Extract?
Individuals with known allergies to nightshade plants (e.g., tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants)
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.