What it is
This is the water-soluble fraction obtained from the root of Cnidium officinale, a plant used in East Asian herbal traditions. It carries a small amount of water-soluble plant constituents and is used as part of the water phase to lend a light conditioning feel. In sunscreens it serves as a supporting botanical rather than a sun filter.
Safety & warnings
As a dilute root water, this ingredient is generally well tolerated. People with known sensitivities to herbal botanicals should monitor for irritation.
Origin & sourcing
Natural; the aqueous fraction derived from the root of Cnidium officinale, produced during processing such as distillation or extraction into water.
Questions everyone asks
How does root water differ from a root extract?
Root water is the dilute aqueous fraction used in the water phase, while an extract is typically a more concentrated preparation of the plant material.
Does it offer UV protection?
No. It is a conditioning botanical and is not a UV filter.