Impatiens Balsamina Extract — INCI reference

What it is

Impatiens Balsamina Extract is obtained from the flowers, leaves, and/or stems of garden balsam (Impatiens balsamina L.), an annual flowering plant in the family Balsaminaceae. The extract contains bioactive compounds including naphthoquinones (lawsone and 2-methoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone), flavonols such as kaempferol and quercetin, phenolic acids, anthocyanin pigments, and saponins. In cosmetic formulations it functions primarily as an astringent—tightening and firming the skin—and as a fragrance ingredient. Research indicates leaf extracts exhibit notable free radical scavenging activity, with phenolic content correlating strongly with antioxidant capacity. The plant also demonstrates in vitro antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans and select bacterial strains. Traditional use across Asian cultures includes topical application for skin ailments and a historic practice of using crushed flowers mixed with alum as a nail colorant.

Safety & warnings

Impatiens balsamina contains naphthoquinones (lawsone) and flavonoids that may cause contact sensitization in susceptible individuals. Lawsone, the principal naphthoquinone, is a known skin sensitizer in concentrated forms and is subject to restrictions in some markets when used in hair/nail dye applications. As a fragrance component, the extract is subject to standard fragrance allergen disclosure requirements in the EU. No GHS hazard classifications are currently assigned to the cosmetic-grade extract. Those with known sensitivities to Balsaminaceae plants should exercise caution.

Origin & sourcing

Extracted from the flowers, leaves, and/or stems of Impatiens balsamina L. (family Balsaminaceae), an annual herb native to India and Myanmar. The plant is cultivated widely as an ornamental in temperate and tropical regions. Commercial extraction typically uses organic solvent or aqueous-solvent methods. CAS 90045-84-4; EC 289-949-1.

History

Impatiens balsamina was introduced to European gardens in the late 16th century from India and became one of the earliest tropical ornamentals cultivated under glass in temperate regions. In Nepal, China, and Korea, crushed flowers mixed with alum have been used for centuries as a semi-permanent fingernail dye, predating modern nail polish. The ingredient is registered in the EU CosIng database (Ref 34569) and listed in China CFDA permitted cosmetics ingredient lists. No formal CIR safety review for the extract has been published.

Questions everyone asks

What does Impatiens Balsamina Extract do in skincare products?

It primarily functions as an astringent, temporarily tightening the skin and reducing the appearance of pores. It also contributes fragrance to formulations and has demonstrated antioxidant and antimicrobial activity in research settings.

Is Impatiens Balsamina Extract a natural ingredient?

Yes. It is a plant-derived botanical extract obtained from garden balsam (Impatiens balsamina), a flowering annual native to India and Myanmar, using solvent extraction of plant tissues.

Are there any safety concerns with Impatiens Balsamina Extract?

The extract contains lawsone (a naphthoquinone) which can act as a skin sensitizer in concentrated forms. As a fragrance component, it may need to be disclosed under EU fragrance allergen regulations. Formal safety data specifically for the cosmetic extract is limited.

What plant compounds give Impatiens Balsamina Extract its skin benefits?

The key bioactives are naphthoquinones (lawsone and 2-methoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone), kaempferol and quercetin flavonoids, and phenolic acids. These contribute to the extract's antioxidant and antimicrobial properties documented in scientific literature.