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Researched by Helena DeMaria-Williams

Formula IngredientSkin Conditioner / Plant Extract

Anemarrhena Asphodeloides Root Extract

INCI: Anemarrhena Asphodeloides Root Extract

Anemarrhena asphodeloides root extract is derived from the rhizomes of the Zhi Mu plant, a flowering herb native to East Asia and widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. It contains active compounds including sarsasapogenin, timosaponins (particularly timosaponin A-III), nyasol, and mangiferin, which together deliver anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-conditioning effects. In cosmetics it is best known under the trade name Volufiline (by Sederma/Croda), a standardised sarsasapogenin preparation that stimulates adipocyte differentiation and lipid accumulation to create a cosmetic plumping effect.

Category

Skin Conditioner / Plant Extract

Irritation Risk

Low

Skin Types

all skin types, sensitive, reactive, ageing, dull, hyperpigmentation concerns, loss of volume

What does this do in a formula?

skin conditioning, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, skin-brightening, anti-wrinkle, moisturisation, skin barrier support, volumising/plumping (via Volufiline), sebum regulation

Is Anemarrhena Asphodeloides Root Extract safe? Key considerations

Can Anemarrhena Asphodeloides Root Extract cause irritation?

Low Risk

Considered gentle and non-irritating at typical cosmetic concentrations. A patch test with 30 subjects using 0.25% timosaponin A-III found zero adverse reactions at 48 and 72 hours. Those with hypersensitivity to plant extracts or the Liliaceae family should patch test. No EU CosIng Annex II or III restrictions apply.

Does Anemarrhena Asphodeloides Root Extract increase sun sensitivity?

No Risk

There is no evidence that anemarrhena asphodeloides root extract increases photosensitivity. Standard daily sun protection is always recommended as good skincare practice but is not specifically required due to this ingredient.

Is Anemarrhena Asphodeloides Root Extract safe during pregnancy?

Caution

No clinical safety data in pregnancy or breastfeeding is available for this ingredient. As a precautionary measure, avoidance during pregnancy and breastfeeding is generally recommended. The active compound timosaponin A-III has been studied only in non-pregnant adult populations. Consult a healthcare provider before use during pregnancy.

How does Anemarrhena Asphodeloides Root Extract work?

Anemarrhena asphodeloides root extract is derived from the rhizomes of the Zhi Mu plant, a flowering herb native to East Asia and widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. It contains active compounds including sarsasapogenin, timosaponins (particularly timosaponin A-III), nyasol, and mangiferin, which together deliver anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-conditioning effects. In cosmetics it is best known under the trade name Volufiline (by Sederma/Croda), a standardised sarsasapogenin preparation that stimulates adipocyte differentiation and lipid accumulation to create a cosmetic plumping effect.

Individuals with known allergy to Liliaceae/Asparagaceae family plants should review the considerations above before use.

Which products contain Anemarrhena Asphodeloides Root Extract?

Shop products that contain Anemarrhena Asphodeloides Root Extract