What it is
This ingredient is an extract of the leaves of Indigofera tinctoria, the plant historically famous as the source of natural indigo dye. In skincare and sunscreens it is used in small amounts as a skin-conditioning botanical and may contribute a natural blue or blue-tinted color to a formula. The plant has a long history of use in textiles, which carries over to its interest as a botanical ingredient.
Safety & warnings
As a botanical extract it is generally used at low levels, and as with any plant extract, those prone to reactions from botanicals may wish to patch test.
Origin & sourcing
Natural; extracted from the leaves of the true indigo plant, Indigofera tinctoria.
History
Indigofera tinctoria has been cultivated for centuries as the principal source of natural indigo dye, prized worldwide for textile coloring long before synthetic indigo was developed. Its use in cosmetics draws on this heritage as a botanical and natural colorant.
Questions everyone asks
Is this the same plant used to make indigo dye?
Yes. Indigofera tinctoria is the classic source of natural indigo dye, valued for textile coloring for centuries.
Why is it used in skincare?
It is used as a skin-conditioning botanical and can also contribute a natural blue tint to a formula.