Arundo Donax Stem Extract
Reviewed by Kate · Last updated 18 Aug 2026
From a type of perennial grass
EWG Safety Score
What Is Arundo Donax Stem Extract?
Arundo donax stem extract comes from a type of tall perennial grass, or reed, native to the Middle East.\n\nAt the time of this writing, there isn’t a large variety of independent studies demonstrating Arundo donax stem extract’s applications in cosmetics. That being said, what does exist shows promise.\n\nAs a non-fragrant plant extract, this ingredient contains polyphenols that have free-radical fighting antioxidant properties. Perhaps more intriguing is newer research suggesting that this extract might be able to reverse epigenetic changes made to skin by UVA exposure. More study is needed to demonstrate this effect, but it has potential to be an exciting ingredient in the realm of anti-aging.\n\nDue to its relative obscurity in cosmetics, use levels for Arundo donax stem extract haven’t been set; however, similar extracts are used between 0.01–0.1% in pure form and up to 5% when supplied in a water-based blend.
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
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Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications, September 2024, pages 253-269 Journal of Cosmetics, 2024
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Waste and Biomass Valorization, May 2022, pages 4,253-4.265 Waste and Biomass Valorization, 2022
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