Sasa Quelpaertensis Leaf Extract — INCI reference

What it is

Sasa Quelpaertensis Leaf Extract is derived from the leaves of a dwarf bamboo (Sasa quelpaertensis Nakai) native exclusively to Mt. Halla on Jeju Island, South Korea. The extract is a yellowish liquid containing polyphenols, flavonoids, and polysaccharides, including tricin, isoorientin, p-coumaric acid, and serotonin derivatives (N-feruloylserotonin, N-p-coumaroylserotonin). These compounds confer antioxidant activity, inhibit tyrosinase (the enzyme responsible for melanin synthesis), and suppress inflammatory mediators. In skincare formulations it is used to help brighten skin tone, reduce hyperpigmentation, and condition the skin. Typical usage concentration is 1–10%.

Safety & warnings

No specific allergens or known irritants have been identified in published literature. Multiple cellular and animal studies have not documented notable toxicity at typical cosmetic use levels. As with any plant extract, individuals with known grass or Poaceae family sensitivities should exercise caution. No comedogenicity data is available.

Origin & sourcing

Extracted from the leaves of Sasa quelpaertensis Nakai (family Poaceae), a rhizomatous perennial dwarf bamboo that grows exclusively on the slopes of Halla Mountain on Jeju Island, South Korea. Leaves are harvested and extracted, typically with water or ethanol, to yield a polyphenol-rich liquid. The plant covers approximately 76% of the northern slopes of Mt. Halla National Park.

History

Sasa quelpaertensis has been used in traditional Korean folk medicine for centuries, documented in the Dongui Bogam, a 17th-century Korean medical encyclopedia. The leaves were consumed as bamboo tea for anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and diuretic purposes. Modern research beginning in the 2000s characterized its phytochemical profile and explored its antioxidant, anti-melanogenic, and anti-inflammatory properties for cosmetic applications.

Questions everyone asks

What makes Sasa Quelpaertensis Leaf Extract unique compared to other plant extracts?

It is derived from a bamboo species found only on Jeju Island, South Korea, and contains unusual serotonin derivatives (N-feruloylserotonin and N-p-coumaroylserotonin) that show potent tyrosinase-inhibiting activity, giving it a distinctive brightening profile alongside antioxidant and anti-inflamma

What are the main skin benefits of this ingredient?

Research shows it can inhibit melanin synthesis (tyrosinase inhibition up to ~51%), help reduce hyperpigmentation and age spots, provide antioxidant protection via polyphenols such as tricin and p-coumaric acid, and suppress inflammatory mediators, supporting a calming effect on skin.

Is this ingredient safe for sensitive skin?

Published studies in cellular and animal models have not identified significant toxicity or irritation. However, as a plant extract from the grass family (Poaceae), individuals with Poaceae allergies should use caution. Patch testing is advisable for sensitive skin types.

What concentration is typically used in formulas?

The recommended usage range is 1–10% in finished cosmetic formulations.