Stephania Tetrandra Extract in Skincare

Throughout the history of human medicine, plant extracts have consistently held a vital position in traditional medical systems and remain a crucial component of modern health and wellness practices. In the beauty industry, botanical essences are widely incorporated into cleansers, moisturizers, toners, and other skincare products. Since each plant possesses a unique combination of active compounds, different extracts can provide targeted solutions for specific skin concerns.

Healthkintai^® specializes in the production of 98% Stephania Tetrandra Root Extract tetrandrine. Meanwhile, we also aim to accommodate the application specifications required for tetrandrine in the cosmetic manufacturing process. ( Contact us freely at health@kintaibio.com.)

Have you ever wondered why Stephania Tetrandra Root Extract has become popular in the cosmetic world? Dive into our in-depth analysis to explore its origin, functions, and safety, and discover how this natural ingredient is revolutionizing skincare routines globally.

What Is Stephania Tetrandra Extract?

Stephania tetrandra is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine derived from the dried roots of the plant Stephania tetrandra S. Moore (Menispermaceae family). It is known for its functions of dispelling wind to relieve pain and promoting diuresis to reduce edema, and is used to treat rheumatic arthralgia, beriberi, edema, erythema, and eczema.

The production process of Stephania Tetrandra Root Extract involves harvesting the plant roots, which are then cleaned and dried. The dried roots undergo extraction using solvents such as ethanol or water to isolate the active compounds. The resulting extract is filtered, concentrated, and prepared for integration into cosmetic formulations.

The extract of Stephania tetrandra is included in the Inventory of Cosmetic Used Ingredients (2021 edition). Its primary components are alkaloid compounds, with tetrandrine being the most abundant alkaloid, serving as the main active constituent and a key marker for quality control.

What Are the Benefits of Stephania Tetrandra Extract in Skincare?

The primary components of Stephania Tetrandra Root Extract are tetrandrine alkaloids, including Tetrandrine, Fangchinoline, and Cyclanoline. Among these, Tetrandrine is the most potent active ingredient. In traditional medicine, Stephania tetrandra has long been utilized for its anti-inflammatory and diuretic effects. As research into its skincare potential has advanced, Stephania tetrandra extract is primarily used in skincare as a skin-conditioning agent with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It helps to soften and smooth skin texture, soothe irritation, and protect against environmental stressors. The extract is particularly renowned for alleviating dryness, roughness, and sensitivity.

Anti-Inflammatory & Sensitivity

Relieves redness and itching caused by skin allergies or inflammation.

Tetrandrine, a natural calcium channel blocker, helps relax the smooth muscles surrounding capillary walls. This action improves local microcirculation and reduces unnecessary inflammatory congestion, thereby quickly alleviating temporary redness caused by external irritants such as wind, sun exposure, or overheated environments. With long-term use, it aids in managing the severity and frequency of flare-ups in rosacea and persistent erythema. Furthermore, through its potent anti-inflammatory effect, it accelerates the healing of red post-acne marks left behind after inflammatory breakouts subside.

Antioxidant Protection

Provides defense against environmental free radicals and oxidative stress.

Unlike conventional antioxidants like Vitamin C, which primarily function by directly neutralizing free radicals, Tetrandrine’s antioxidant action is more profound and indirect. Its most core and distinctive mechanism lies in its ability to inhibit NADPH oxidase (NOX). NADPH oxidase acts as a key “factory” within cells that generates superoxide and other reactive oxygen species (ROS). By effectively suppressing the activity of this enzyme, Tetrandrine reduces the production of free radicals at their source, representing a proactive, “preventive” strategy. This is particularly effective against the intracellular oxidative bursts triggered by external stressors such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation and pollution.

Enhanced Hydration

Through its soothing properties, Tetrandrine addresses dryness and forms a powerful synergy with humectants like Hyaluronic Acid and barrier-supporting Ceramides. This collaboration works to significantly bolster both hydration levels and the skin’s barrier function.

Note: All efficacy claims listed above strictly adhere to the officially recognized functions documented in the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI).

How to Use Stephania Tetrandra Extract in Skincare?

Stephania Extract is commonly found in skincare products such as serums, moisturizers, and sheet masks. It is suitable for most skin types and can be used in both morning and evening skincare routines. For general anti-allergy and anti-inflammatory products, Tetrandrine is used at a concentration of 0.5% to 1%. In products designed to repair damaged skin or treat conditions like steroid-induced dermatitis, the usage level ranges from 2% to 5% or even higher, depending on the severity of the symptoms.

If you require high-quality tetrandrine to make your makeup, please feel free to contact us at health@kintaibio.com. (Total Stephania Alkaloids and Tetrandrine with customizable specifications are available.)

Products with Stephania Tetrandra Root Extract

What are the Challenges in the Practical Application of Stephania tetrandra Extract in Cosmetics？

Although researchers worldwide have conducted extensive studies on tetrandrine liposomes, challenges such as low drug loading capacity and high excipient requirements persist. One of the primary limitations of Tetrandrine as a skin-protective agent is its poor water solubility and low skin permeability, which significantly restrict its application in cosmetics.

Currently, commercially available cosmetic ingredients containing tetrandrine exhibit low active content, resulting in a final tetrandrine concentration of only about 0.001% to 0.01% (mass fraction) when incorporated into finished products—a level that substantially compromises its efficacy.

To address this, a patented invention titled “High-Drug-Loading Tetrandrine Liposome, Its Preparation Method and Application” has been disclosed in prior research. This tetrandrine liposome achieves a notably high drug loading capacity of 1.5% to 2.5%, significantly surpassing that of liposomes prepared by existing methods. Moreover, it has undergone rigorous testing for skin irritation, hyaluronidase inhibition, transdermal absorption, and suppression of inflammatory factor secretion, demonstrating its suitability and safety for cosmetic applications.

Composition of Tetrandrine Liposomes

Ingredient	Mass Fraction
Tetrandrine	2.0%
Soybean Phosphatidylcholine	4.0%
Cholesterol	0.2%
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride	8.0%
Glycerin	41.5%
Propylene Glycol	5.0%
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil	4.0%
Pentylene Glycol	3.0%
Tocopheryl Acetate	1.0%
Lactic Acid	0.8%
Hexylene Glycol	0.5%
Purified Water	30.0%

 

Stephania tetrandra Extract Safety in Skincare

The Cosmetic, Toiletry & Fragrance Association (CTFA) has officially listed Stephania Tetrandra Root Extract as a recognized cosmetic ingredient. Its safety for topical use has been verified in accordance with the Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition), with no known safety concerns identified for external application. Furthermore, Stephania Tetrandra Root Extract is an approved cosmetic ingredient authorized by the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA).

Why Do You Choose Stephania Tetrandra Extract by Healthkintai^®?

Healthkintai^® is a major manufacturer of botanical extracts. As a direct Stephania Tetrandra Extract manufacturer, we have stable production capacity and sales channels to meet your long-term and stable purchasing needs.

Our company possesses a highly skilled technical team specialized in plant extraction technologies, so Total Stephania Alkaloids and Tetrandrine with customizable specifications are available. If you want to order, please feel free to contact us at health@kintaibio.com.