What it is
Selaginella tamariscina is a desiccation-tolerant spikemoss used in East Asian traditional herbal practice and now appearing in cosmetic formulas, particularly Korean products. As a cosmetic ingredient the extract serves as a skin-conditioning and antioxidant component. It is a botanical secondary ingredient and does not function as a UV filter.
Safety & warnings
This type of botanical extract is generally well tolerated in cosmetic use. Sensitization or irritation is possible in individuals reactive to plant-derived components, and any carrier solvent or preservative in the extract may also contribute to reactions.
Origin & sourcing
Plant-derived; obtained from the fronds of Selaginella tamariscina, a spikemoss in the Selaginellaceae family, typically prepared as a water or glycol-based extract.
Questions everyone asks
Does Selaginella tamariscina extract protect against UV?
No. It is a skin-conditioning and antioxidant botanical and provides no UV filtering on its own; it is a supporting ingredient in a sunscreen formula.
Where does this extract come from?
It is derived from Selaginella tamariscina, a resurrection-type spikemoss native to East Asia that can survive drying and rehydrate.