Petasites Hybridus Root Extract

Also known as: Butterbur Root Extract

INCI: Petasites Hybridus Root Extract | Function: Antioxidant, Soothing, Skin Conditioning | Type: Plant extract (Asteraceae family, butterbur)

What Is Petasites Hybridus Root Extract?

Root extract of Petasites hybridus (common butterbur). Contains petasin, isopetasin, and sesquiterpene compounds with anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. Traditionally used for migraines and allergies, but contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) that are hepatotoxic — cosmetic-grade extracts must be PA-free. In skincare, valued for soothing and anti-redness effects when properly processed.

Key Skin Benefits

+ Anti-inflammatory — helps calm redness and sensitive skin
+ Antioxidant protection — flavonoids and phenolic acids neutralize free radicals
+ Skin conditioning — provides moisturizing and softening effects
+ Traditional herbal use — centuries of documented medicinal application

Pros

+ Rich in bioactive compounds — petasin, fukinolic acid, flavonoids
+ Research-supported anti-inflammatory activity
+ Traditional use with modern formulation applications
+ Plant-derived — appeals to natural/botanical positioning

Cons

− Pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) risk — MUST use PA-free extracts only
− PA-free processing increases cost and limits supplier options
− Limited cosmetic-specific clinical studies
− Potential for contact allergy in sensitive individuals
− Regulatory scrutiny due to PA content in raw plant

Specifications

Property	Value
Usage Areas	Face, Body
Product Type	Leave-On, Rinse-Off
Source	Plant
Natural Level	Natural

Safety Ratings

Metric	Rating
Skin Sensitivity	2/5 (moderate — PA-free extracts are milder)
Comedogenic Rating	0/5
EWG Score	2/10

Regional Regulatory Limits

Region	Leave-on %	Rinse-off %	Status
EU (CosIng)	No limit	No limit	Allowed
US (CIR/FDA)	No limit	No limit	Allowed — CIR safe as used
Japan (MHLW)	No limit	No limit	Allowed
ASEAN	No limit	No limit	Allowed — follows EU
China (NMPA)	No limit	No limit	Allowed — listed in IECIC

Typical Usage % by Product Type

Product Type	Typical %
Soothing cream / serum	0.1–2%
Calming toner	0.05–1%

References

Thomet OA et al. (2002) — Petasites hybridus: pyrrolizidine alkaloid-free extracts. PMID: 11884275
Shimoda H et al. (2006) — Anti-allergic compounds from Petasites japonicus. PMID: 16792428
EU CosIng Database. https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/
INCIDecoder. https://incidecoder.com/

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