What it is
Hemidesmus indicus root powder is produced by drying and grinding the root of Hemidesmus indicus, a plant traditionally used in South Asia. In cosmetic formulas it is added as a botanical extract-type ingredient intended to condition the skin. Because it is a milled plant material, it carries the naturally occurring constituents of the root.
Safety & warnings
As a botanical material, the root powder contains a complex mixture of plant compounds, and any plant extract carries some potential for skin sensitization in predisposed individuals. Patch testing is reasonable for those with sensitive or reactive skin.
Origin & sourcing
Natural. It is the dried, powdered root of the Hemidesmus indicus plant, a climbing shrub native to the Indian subcontinent.
History
The plant has a long history of use in traditional South Asian herbal practice, and its root has been incorporated into modern botanically oriented cosmetic products.
Questions everyone asks
What plant does this ingredient come from?
It comes from the root of Hemidesmus indicus, commonly called Indian sarsaparilla, ground into a fine powder for use in cosmetics.
What does it do in a sunscreen?
It is added as a botanical skin-conditioning ingredient and is not a UV filter, so it does not provide sun protection itself.