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Ingredient · INCI reference

Aromatic Ginger Root Extract

INCI name: Kaempferia Galanga Root Extract

An extract of the rhizome of aromatic ginger (Kaempferia galanga), used in cosmetics as a botanical skin-conditioning and antioxidant additive.

Ingredient illustration

Editorial ingredient illustration for Kaempferia Galanga Root Extract

An editorial illustration of this ingredient.

What it is

Kaempferia Galanga Root Extract is derived from the aromatic rhizome of Kaempferia galanga, a ginger-family plant grown across Southeast and South Asia. It is used as a botanical skin-conditioning ingredient and is included for its plant-derived antioxidant constituents. In sun-care and skincare it typically appears at low levels within the botanical portion of a formula.

Safety & warnings

Generally well tolerated at cosmetic use levels. The rhizome contains aromatic, essential-oil-type constituents, so fragrance-sensitive individuals may wish to patch test. As with other botanicals, contact sensitivity is possible in predisposed users.

Origin & sourcing

Natural; prepared from the rhizome (root) of Kaempferia galanga, a member of the Zingiberaceae (ginger) family cultivated in tropical Asia.

Questions everyone asks

What plant is this from?

It comes from Kaempferia galanga, sometimes called aromatic ginger, sand ginger, or kencur, a rhizomatous plant in the ginger family.

Is it a UV filter?

No. It is a botanical skin-conditioning and antioxidant additive, not a UV filter, and provides no measurable sun protection on its own.

Sources & references

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