Ingredient review
Yomogi Sui
INCI: Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract
A soothing, antioxidant-rich fermented mugwort extract that helps calm irritated skin and support a healthy skin barrier.
In plain English
Yomogi Sui is a fermented extract from Japanese mugwort leaves. Think of it as a gentle, calming tea for your skin. It's packed with natural compounds that help reduce redness and protect against environmental stress, making it a favorite in Korean and Japanese skincare for sensitive or irritated skin types.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Potentially useful with some tradeoffs
The evidence base is useful, but some claims depend heavily on the formula.
Risk flags are low for most users, though the finished product can still irritate.
- Source
- natural
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Yomogi Sui 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 Yomogi Sui.
- 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
moderateThere is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.
What it is
Yomogi Sui is a fermented botanical extract derived from the leaves of Artemisia princeps, a species of mugwort native to East Asia. The fermentation process is believed to enhance the bioavailability of its active compounds, such as flavonoids and essential oils.
How it works
In a cosmetic product, Yomogi Sui works by delivering antioxidants that neutralize free radicals, and anti-inflammatory compounds that help calm skin irritation and redness. It also supports the skin's moisture barrier by reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL), which is the water that evaporates from your skin's surface.
Pros
Calms irritation
Yomogi Sui has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce redness and soothe sensitive skin, making it a good choice for reactive skin types.
Antioxidant protection
It contains flavonoids that help protect skin cells from damage caused by pollution and UV exposure, supporting overall skin health.
Cons and cautions
Limited research
While mugwort has a history of use, there are few high-quality clinical studies specifically on Yomogi Sui in skincare, so its benefits are largely based on traditional use and ingredient analysis.
Potential allergen
As a member of the Asteraceae plant family, it may cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to ragweed, chrysanthemums, or marigolds, though this is rare.
Best for
- People with sensitive or easily irritated skin
- Those looking for antioxidant-rich, natural skincare ingredients
Use caution if
- Individuals with a known allergy to plants in the Asteraceae family (e.g., ragweed, daisies, marigolds)
Usage tips
Safety summary
Yomogi Sui is considered safe for topical use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has a low irritation and comedogenic risk, but individuals with known allergies to Asteraceae plants should patch test first. No serious safety concerns have been reported in cosmetic use.
Research notes
Research on mugwort (Artemisia species) supports its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity in lab and animal studies. However, direct clinical studies on Yomogi Sui in human skincare are limited. Its traditional use and ingredient profile suggest benefits for soothing and protecting the skin.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- Typically used at 1–10% in leave-on products
- Regulatory status
- Generally recognized as safe for cosmetic use in the US, EU, and Korea when used as directed. No specific restrictions beyond standard cosmetic ingredient regulations.
- Common uses
- Serums, Toners, Essences, Masks
- Environmental note
- Mugwort is a hardy plant that grows easily without heavy pesticide use, making it a relatively sustainable crop. Fermentation processes can vary in energy and water use depending on the manufacturer.
Good to know
- Yomogi Sui is often used in Korean and Japanese skincare for its calming properties, similar to how green tea is used for antioxidant benefits.
- The fermentation process may make the extract more gentle and effective compared to non-fermented mugwort extracts.
Common questions
What is Yomogi Sui in beauty products?
Yomogi Sui is a fermented extract from Japanese mugwort leaves. Think of it as a gentle, calming tea for your skin. It's packed with natural compounds that help reduce redness and protect against environmental stress, making it a favorite in Korean and Japanese skincare for sensitive or irritated skin types.
What does Yomogi Sui do in a beauty product?
In a cosmetic product, Yomogi Sui works by delivering antioxidants that neutralize free radicals, and anti-inflammatory compounds that help calm skin irritation and redness. It also supports the skin's moisture barrier by reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL), which is the water that evaporates from your skin's surface.
Is Yomogi Sui safe for most people?
Yomogi Sui is considered safe for topical use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has a low irritation and comedogenic risk, but individuals with known allergies to Asteraceae plants should patch test first. No serious safety concerns have been reported in cosmetic use.
Who should be careful with Yomogi Sui?
Individuals with a known allergy to plants in the Asteraceae family (e.g., ragweed, daisies, marigolds)
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.