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Identity Profile: Plant Extract from Ophiopogon japonicus

Commonly known as: Plant extract of Ophiopogon japonicus, ja-no-hige, Japanese lily of the valley, snake's beard, turquoise grass, Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract (INCI).
Botanical name: Ophiopogon japonicus.
Extraction process: Enzymatic hydrolysis of carbohydrates.
Family: Liliaceae.
Part of the plant extracted: Roots.
Location: Originating from Japan and Korea.
Flowering: From June to September.
Provenance, origin: Japan.
Phytochemical composition: Steroidal saponins, polysaccharides (fructosans), homoisoflavonoids.
Sensorial properties: Appearance: Powder; Colour: White to Ivory; Odour: Mild.
Physical characteristics: Recommended dosage: 0.05 - 1%; Soluble in water and ethanol; Recommended pH: 5.0 - 6.0.
Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, soothing, moisturising.
Concerns: All skin types, especially dry and atopic-prone skin.

Details

Properties

  • Anti-inflammatory: Reducing inflammatory responses by decreasing the nuclear translocation of NF-κB and lowering the expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-8, TNF-α);

  • Soothing: Alleviating signs of irritation by deactivating the TRPA1 itch receptor;

  • Moisturiser: Preventing insensible water loss and maintaining adequate skin hydration by stimulating the synthesis of claudin-1 and ZO-1, two major proteins of tight junctions involved in cell-cell cohesion, and by increasing the levels of filaggrin in the horny layer, a component of natural moisturising factors (NMF), strengthening the barrier function and restructuring the epidermis, thanks to the polysaccharides contained in the roots.

Usage

  • Facial Care (serums, balms/repair creams, cleansers, night oils, soothing tonics);

  • Body Care (restorative hand creams) ;

  • Makeups (foundations).

Method of Preservation

Store in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight.

Contraindications, Usage Precautions

Non-irritating and non-sensitising, the extract of the Ophiopogon japonicus is well tolerated by both adults and infants up to 5% in leave-on cosmetic products.

Find out more

The Japanese lilyturf is a herbaceous perennial native to Southeast Asia. Its scientific name "Ophiopogon japonicus" derives from "ophis" meaning "snake" and "pogon" for "beard", likely due to the shape of its long grass-like leaves. In Japanese, its name is "ryu-no-hige" for "dragon's beard" or "ja-no-hige" meaning "snake's beard". Long utilised in the local medicines of China, Japan, and certain Southeast Asian countries, its roots are rich in antioxidants (homoisoflavonoids) and soothing agents, making it ideal for sensitive skin.