What it is
Arctium Lappa Root Extract is derived from the root of burdock, a plant cultivated both as a food crop and for botanical extracts. In cosmetic formulas it serves as a skin-conditioning and soothing ingredient and is sometimes used for a light astringent character. In sunscreens it generally appears at low levels as a supportive botanical rather than a primary functional component.
Safety & warnings
Burdock root extract is generally well tolerated topically. Because it belongs to the Asteraceae (daisy/composite) family, individuals with known sensitivity to composite-family plants should patch test, as cross-reactive sensitization is possible. It is not regarded as notably comedogenic at typical cosmetic use levels.
Origin & sourcing
Natural; obtained from the root of Arctium lappa (greater burdock), a biennial plant in the Asteraceae family widely grown in East Asia and Europe.
History
Burdock root has a long history as both a food (notably gobo in Japanese cuisine) and a traditional botanical. Its use as a cosmetic extract is a modern application drawing on that botanical heritage.
Questions everyone asks
Is this the same plant as edible burdock?
Yes. The cosmetic ingredient comes from the root of the same burdock plant eaten as a vegetable, known as gobo in Japan, but it is prepared as a topical extract.
Who should be cautious with it?
People with known allergies to plants in the daisy or composite family may want to patch test, since cross-reactive sensitivity is possible with botanicals from that family.