XANTHIUM STRUMARIUM FRUIT/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

Humectant

41

Caution

About XANTHIUM STRUMARIUM FRUIT/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

Extracted from all parts of the Common Cocklebur, a plant with documented hepatotoxic properties due to carboxyatractyloside (CAT). Traditional uses in herbal medicine exist, but significant toxicological concerns must be addressed before cosmetic use.

Detailed Analysis

Xanthium strumarium (Asteraceae) contains carboxyatractyloside (CAT) and atractyloside, potent inhibitors of mitochondrial ADP/ATP translocase associated with hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in humans and livestock. No specific EU Annex II or III restriction currently targets this extract under Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, but its known hepatotoxic constituent profile raises serious safety assessment concerns under Article 10; formulators must validate extremely low or absent CAT levels through analytical testing. Without thorough purification and residue verification, the risk-benefit profile of this ingredient in cosmetics is unfavorable.

What It Does

HUMECTANT SKIN PROTECTING

Skin Benefits

  • ✓ Humectant properties
  • ✓ Skin barrier support (traditional use)

Known Concerns

  • ⚠ Contains carboxyatractyloside – documented hepatotoxic compound
  • ⚠ Atractyloside: mitochondrial toxin with systemic risk
  • ⚠ Potential skin and mucous membrane irritation
  • ⚠ Very limited topical cosmetic safety data
  • ⚠ Risk of systemic absorption on damaged skin

Safety Score

41

Caution

Based on EU regulatory data, published safety research, and ingredient function analysis.

References

🏛

EU CosIng Database

European Commission cosmetic ingredient registry

Check your products for XANTHIUM STRUMARIUM FRUIT/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

Scan any cosmetic product to see if it contains this ingredient and get a full safety breakdown.

Download LuxSense

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for skin concerns or allergies.