What it is
Gentiana lutea is a tall, yellow-flowered mountain plant whose bitter root has a long history of traditional botanical use. Its root extract is added to cosmetics as a conditioning ingredient associated with bitter glycosides and polyphenolic constituents. In sunscreens it functions as a supporting botanical and not as a UV filter.
Safety & warnings
As a botanical extract it is generally well tolerated at cosmetic use levels, though plant extracts can occasionally provoke sensitivity in predisposed individuals. It is not an oil and is not associated with comedogenicity.
Origin & sourcing
Botanical, obtained from the root of the yellow gentian plant, Gentiana lutea.
History
The bitter root of yellow gentian has a long record of traditional herbal use in Europe, which informs its later adoption as a cosmetic botanical.
Questions everyone asks
What does gentian root extract do in skincare?
It is used as a botanical skin-conditioning and soothing ingredient.
Is it a UV filter?
No. It is a supporting botanical and does not provide sun protection.