Ophiopogon Japonicus Root in Skin Care

You may see an ingredient called Ophiopogon japonicus root listed on many different skin care labels, including cleansers, moisturizers, and serums. This ingredient, commonly known as mondo grass or Japanese lily, or “Mai Dong” in traditional Chinese medicine, is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-soothing and hydrating properties.

Because it can help to repair the skin barrier and rehydrate the skin, Ophiopogon japonicus root extract is most commonly found in skin care products for dry skin, although it can be suitable for a range of Baumann Skin Types, depending on your skin’s specific needs.

Ophiopogon japonicus root extract has strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-hydrating benefits.

It’s usually well-tolerated by most skin types and doesn’t have notable side effects.

You’ll find it in a variety of cleansers, moisturizers and other products for barrier repair and dryness.

What Is Ophiopogon Japonicus Root?

Ophiopogon japonicus is a small, hardy grass native to East Asia, especially Japan, China, and Korea. Its root has long been used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine to support lung health, hydration, and immune function. In skin care, Ophiopogon japonicus root extract is used for its ability to promote a healthy skin barrier, improve hydration, soothe irritation, and protect against damage caused by oxidative stress.

Active Compounds in Ophiopogon Japonicus Root

Some of the most notable compounds in mondo grass that make it such a beneficial ingredient in skin care include:

Ophiopogonin is a type of plant compound called a saponin that is located in the root of the Ophiopogon japonicus plant. This compound is what gives this plant its strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and even anti-cancer effects (3).

Polysaccharides , particularly β-fructans, found in mondo grass are believed to also contribute to this plant’s anti-inflammatory properties by reducing nitric oxide and certain inflammatory pathways (4). Additionally, polysaccharides are known for their ability to retain moisture, improving skin hydration and supporting its protective barrier.

Flavonoids like methylophiopogonanone A and methylophiopogonanone B are antioxidant-rich compounds found in mondo grass that effectively neutralize free radicals (5). This helps to protect the skin from oxidative stress that could otherwise result in premature aging and other unwanted effects.

Beta-sitosterol is plant-based sterol with soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is molecularly similar to cholesterol and helps to calm irritated skin and supports the health and function of the skin barrier.

Skin Benefits of Ophiopogon Japonicus Root

As you can see from the many beneficial plant compounds naturally found in Ophiopogon japonicus root extract, this ingredient comes with a number of benefits for the skin. These three are the most notable:

Anti-inflammatory properties. The bioactive saponins and plant sterols, particularly beta-sitosterol, found in mondo grass give this ingredient its strong anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds modulate inflammatory responses by inhibiting pathways associated with pro-inflammatory cytokine production, reducing visible redness and irritation. Studies suggest that these mechanisms can be especially beneficial for those with sensitive or reactive skin, helping to alleviate symptoms commonly associated with inflammatory conditions like rosacea and eczema (6)

Antioxidant properties. Flavonoids in Ophiopogon japonicus root neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) responsible for oxidative stress. Oxidative stress accelerates skin aging by damaging collagen and elastin, the proteins that give the skin its firm structure and elasticity. By reducing this damage, these antioxidants can protect against signs of premature skin aging like fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation issues.

Barrier repair and hydration. The polysaccharides in mondo grass improve the skin’s ability to retain moisture and strengthen its protective barrier. This process not only helps to prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL) but also helps to keep irritants and allergens sealed out of the skin. Additionally, the saponins and plant sterols in this plant have been shown to contribute to healthy skin barrier function.

Side Effects of Ophiopogon Japonicus Root

Ophiopogon japonicus root is generally safe for topical use in most Baumann Skin Types. However, in some rare cases, this ingredient may cause mild skin irritation for some people, especially those with very sensitive skin.

Skin Care Products with Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract

You’ll often find Ophiopogon japonicus root in hydrating serums, moisturizers, and barrier-repair creams. Because of its soothing and moisturizing properties, Ophiopogon japonicus root extract is especially common in products designed for sensitive or dry skin types.

Below are just a few of my favorite high-quality skin care products that contain this ingredient.

Bottom Line

Ophiopogon japonicus root, also known as mondo grass, Japanese lily, or Mai Dong, is a plant-derived ingredient found in many cleansers, moisturizers, and serums aimed at improving barrier function and hydrating. In addition, this ingredient has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a beneficial ingredient for those with dry or sensitive skin.

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

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