What it is
Camellia Japonica Leaf Extract is derived from the leaves of Camellia japonica, a plant long cultivated in East Asia and the source of the well-known tsubaki seed oil. The leaf extract contains polyphenols and other plant constituents and is included for skin-conditioning and antioxidant-supporting effects. In sunscreens it is typically used at low levels as a soothing botanical accent rather than as a functional UV ingredient.
Safety & warnings
Botanical leaf extracts are generally well tolerated, though any plant extract can be a sensitizer in predisposed individuals. The extract is not itself a known fragrance allergen.
Origin & sourcing
Natural; a water or solvent extract of the leaves of the Camellia japonica plant.
Questions everyone asks
Is this the same as camellia (tsubaki) oil?
No. The oil is pressed from the seeds, while this ingredient is an extract of the leaves and serves a conditioning and antioxidant role rather than acting as an emollient oil.
Does it provide sun protection?
No. It is a botanical conditioning extract and is not a UV filter; sun protection comes from the approved filters in the formula.