Soothing ingredient
Piper Methysticum Root Extract
Extract from the root of Piper methysticum (kava), a Piperaceae shrub native to Pacific Islands. Contains kavalactones (kavain, methysticin, yangonin, dihydromethysticin) and flavokawains. Topically, kavalactones modulate NF-κB and COX inflammatory signaling while polyphenols scavenge free radicals. The 2009 CIR Expert Panel found insufficient data to affirm topical safety owing to uncharacterized dermal absorption of hepatotoxic kavalactone constituents — used at very low concentrations in cosmetics.
Also known as: kava root extract
soothinganti-inflammatoryantioxidantskin-conditioning
Benefits
- ✓Helps reduce visible redness and irritation through kavalactones that modulate NF-κB and COX inflammatory pathways
- ✓Provides antioxidant protection via flavokawains and flavonoids (notably isosakuranetin) that scavenge reactive oxygen species
- ✓May offer a mild calming topical effect, relevant for sensitive, reactive, or post-procedure skin
Watch for
- ⚠CIR Expert Panel (2009) concluded available data were insufficient to support safety in cosmetics due to uncharacterized dermal absorption of kavalactones, which have an established hepatotoxicity profile via oral intake
Compatibility
✓ Works well with
+ Centella Asiatica Extract+ Allantoin+ Niacinamide
