Active ingredient
Angelica Dahurica Root Extract
Angelica Dahurica Root Extract (Bai Zhi / 白芷) is derived from a root in the Apiaceae family deeply embedded in traditional Chinese and Korean medicine for brightening, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activity. Its bioactives include coumarins, furanocoumarins, volatile oils, and polyacetylenes — the furanocoumarins (psoralen, bergapten) are photosensitizing agents that render standard extracts unsuitable for leave-on daytime use without confirmed furanocoumarin removal per SCCS limits.
Also known as: Bai Zhi extract, Dahurian angelica root extract
skin-brighteninganti-inflammatoryskin-conditioningantimicrobial
Benefits
- ✓Coumarins (oxypeucedanin, isoimperatorin, phellopterin) and furanocoumarins contribute to skin-brightening effects by modulating melanin synthesis pathways — a traditional East Asian brightening ingredient with documented depigmenting activity
- ✓Anti-inflammatory polyacetylenes and volatile oil components help calm irritation and reduce redness, complementing its brightening use in uneven skin tone formulas
- ✓Antimicrobial activity from its alkaloid and coumarin fraction supports use in formulas targeting congested or acne-prone skin
Watch for
- ⚠Contains furanocoumarins (psoralen, bergapten, imperatorin) — these are phototoxic compounds. Topical application followed by UV exposure can cause phototoxic reactions (erythema, hyperpigmentation, blistering). SCCS guidance: bergapten ≤1 ppm in leave-on products
- ⚠PM-only use is strongly advisable for standard extracts not certified furanocoumarin-free; leave-on daytime use requires confirmed furanocoumarin removal to safe levels
- ⚠Potential sensitizer with repeated high-concentration exposure; patch test recommended
Compatibility
✓ Works well with
+ Niacinamide+ Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate+ Ferulic Acid+ Glycerin