What it is
Sophora Flavescens Root Extract is prepared from the root of a leguminous shrub long used in traditional East Asian herbal practice, where it is known as kushen. The root contains flavonoid and alkaloid constituents, and the extract is incorporated into skin care and sunscreen products mainly for conditioning and soothing effects. It is used as a low-level botanical functional ingredient.
Safety & warnings
Generally well tolerated at cosmetic use levels, though as a complex botanical containing flavonoids and alkaloids, occasional sensitivity is possible in predisposed individuals. The constituent profile varies with plant source and extraction method.
Origin & sourcing
Plant-derived, obtained from the root of Sophora flavescens, a shrub native to East Asia and used in traditional Chinese and Korean herbal medicine.
Questions everyone asks
What is kushen?
Kushen is the traditional East Asian name for Sophora flavescens, the shrub whose root yields this extract. The root has a long history of use in herbal preparations.
Does it provide sun protection?
No. It is used as a conditioning and soothing botanical rather than as a UV filter, so it does not protect against sun exposure on its own.