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Ingredient · INCI reference

Butterfly Pea Flower Extract

INCI name: Clitoria Ternatea Flower Extract

Clitoria Ternatea Flower Extract is a botanical extract from butterfly pea flowers used as a skin-conditioning agent in cosmetic formulations.

Ingredient illustration

Editorial ingredient illustration for Clitoria Ternatea Flower Extract

An editorial illustration of this ingredient.

What it is

Clitoria Ternatea Flower Extract is obtained from the deep-blue flowers of the butterfly pea plant, which contain anthocyanins and other plant pigments and constituents. In cosmetics it is used as a skin-conditioning ingredient and can also impart a natural blue tint to formulations. It is typically incorporated as a botanical additive in the water phase.

Safety & warnings

Botanical flower extracts of this type are generally well tolerated at cosmetic use levels. Individuals with known sensitivities to plant extracts should monitor for irritation.

Origin & sourcing

Natural extract derived from the flowers of Clitoria ternatea (butterfly pea).

Questions everyone asks

What is butterfly pea flower?

It is the vivid blue flower of Clitoria ternatea, a legume whose flowers are also used as a natural blue colorant in foods and drinks.

What does it do in a sunscreen?

It functions as a skin-conditioning botanical extract and may contribute a natural color; it does not provide UV protection.

Sources & references

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