Ingredient review
Scurvygrass Leaf Extract
INCI: Cochlearia Officinalis Leaf Extract
A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical extract that may help calm skin and provide mild environmental protection, though human studies are limited.
In plain English
Scurvygrass leaf extract comes from a coastal plant that was historically eaten by sailors to prevent scurvy because it's rich in vitamin C. In skincare, it's used for its antioxidant and soothing properties. Think of it as a gentle, plant-based helper that may calm redness and protect skin from daily stressors like pollution, though it's not as well-studied as more common ingredients like green tea or vitamin C serums.
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
Scurvygrass 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 Scurvygrass 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
Scurvygrass (Cochlearia officinalis) is a flowering plant that grows in salty coastal areas. Its leaves are harvested and processed to create an extract rich in glucosinolates, flavonoids, and vitamin C. In cosmetics, it's typically used as a water-based extract.
How it works
The extract provides antioxidant activity by donating electrons to neutralize free radicals (unstable molecules that can damage skin cells). Its glucosinolates may also help calm inflammatory responses in the skin, potentially reducing redness and irritation. The vitamin C content supports collagen synthesis, though the concentration in a finished product is usually too low for dramatic brightening effects.
Pros
Gentle antioxidant support
Provides a mild shield against daily environmental damage without the irritation that some stronger antioxidants can cause, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
Soothing potential
Early research suggests compounds in scurvygrass may help calm redness and irritation, which can be beneficial for reactive or inflamed skin types.
Cons and cautions
Limited research backing
Most evidence comes from lab studies or traditional use; there are few well-controlled human trials confirming its benefits in skincare products.
Stability concerns
The vitamin C content is naturally unstable and can degrade when exposed to air and light, so the antioxidant benefit may diminish over a product's shelf life.
Best for
- People with sensitive or easily irritated skin looking for a gentle antioxidant
- Those who prefer plant-based, naturally sourced skincare ingredients
Use caution if
- Individuals with a known allergy to Brassicaceae plants (mustard family, including cabbage and broccoli)
Usage tips
Safety summary
Generally recognized as safe for topical cosmetic use at typical concentrations. Allergic reactions are rare but possible in individuals sensitive to Brassicaceae plants. Avoid contact with eyes. As with any new ingredient, perform a patch test if you have very sensitive skin.
Research notes
Most evidence for scurvygrass extract comes from in vitro (lab) studies showing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Human clinical trials specific to skincare are lacking, so its efficacy is supported primarily by traditional use and preliminary research. More studies are needed to confirm its benefits in finished cosmetic products.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- Typically used at 0.5% to 5% in leave-on products
- Regulatory status
- Approved for cosmetic use in the EU and US as a botanical ingredient; not classified as a drug or active pharmaceutical ingredient.
- Common uses
- Serums, Moisturizers, Toning lotions, Eye creams
- Environmental note
- Scurvygrass is a hardy coastal plant that can be cultivated or wild-harvested sustainably, though wild populations should be harvested responsibly to avoid overcollection.
Good to know
- Scurvygrass gets its name from its historical use by sailors to prevent scurvy, a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency.
- The plant is a member of the Brassicaceae family, which also includes broccoli, cabbage, and mustard greens.
- In traditional herbal medicine, scurvygrass was used both internally and topically for its perceived cleansing and soothing properties.
Common questions
What is Scurvygrass Leaf Extract in beauty products?
Scurvygrass leaf extract comes from a coastal plant that was historically eaten by sailors to prevent scurvy because it's rich in vitamin C. In skincare, it's used for its antioxidant and soothing properties. Think of it as a gentle, plant-based helper that may calm redness and protect skin from daily stressors like pollution, though it's not as well-studied as more common ingredients like green tea or vitamin C serums.
What does Scurvygrass Leaf Extract do in a beauty product?
The extract provides antioxidant activity by donating electrons to neutralize free radicals (unstable molecules that can damage skin cells). Its glucosinolates may also help calm inflammatory responses in the skin, potentially reducing redness and irritation. The vitamin C content supports collagen synthesis, though the concentration in a finished product is usually too low for dramatic brightening effects.
Is Scurvygrass Leaf Extract safe for most people?
Generally recognized as safe for topical cosmetic use at typical concentrations. Allergic reactions are rare but possible in individuals sensitive to Brassicaceae plants. Avoid contact with eyes. As with any new ingredient, perform a patch test if you have very sensitive skin.
Who should be careful with Scurvygrass Leaf Extract?
Individuals with a known allergy to Brassicaceae plants (mustard family, including cabbage and broccoli)
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.