Cleansing Agent

Sanguisorba Officinalis Root Extract

INCI: SANGUISORBA OFFICINALIS ROOT EXTRACT

Reviewed by Kate · Last updated 14 Aug 2026

A plant extract traditionally used to tone and refresh the skin

Best For Skin Types

All

Addresses

Redness, Oil control

Usage Frequency

Daily

Sanguisorba Officinalis Root Extract products at Skintique

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What Is Sanguisorba Officinalis Root Extract?

Sanguisorba officinalis root extract comes from the roots of the great burnet plant, a perennial herb native to Europe and Asia. In traditional herbalism, this plant has been valued for its astringent and toning properties, and it has made its way into modern skincare formulations in small concentrations.

The extract functions primarily as a skin conditioning and refreshing agent. It is used in cleansing products and toners where its natural astringent character may help to temporarily refine the appearance of skin and provide a cooling or tightening sensation.

How It Works

Sanguisorba officinalis root extract contains tannins and other plant compounds that are thought to have mild astringent properties. These compounds may interact with the skin's surface to create a temporary tightening or toning sensation, and may also contribute antimicrobial or antioxidant effects, though the extent of these benefits in cosmetic concentrations remains modest.

The ingredient is typically used in rinse-off products such as cleansers and toners, or in leave-on formulations at very low levels where its effects are supportive rather than primary.

Clinical Evidence & References

Published clinical data specifically on Sanguisorba officinalis root extract in skincare is limited. The ingredient's traditional use in herbal medicine and its inclusion in cosmetic formulations rest partly on historical precedent and in vitro studies of plant extracts rather than robust human trials in skincare contexts.

While tannin-containing plant extracts generally show astringent and antioxidant properties in laboratory settings, the clinical relevance of these effects at the concentrations used in skincare products remains uncertain. More research would be needed to establish measurable benefits in real-world skincare routines.

How to Use

This ingredient is most commonly encountered in cleansing products and toners where it is used at very low concentrations (typically well below 1 percent). Apply as you would any other toner or cleanser—after cleansing and before serums or moisturisers. There is no need to use it more than once or twice daily, and it is best suited to those seeking a traditional herbal approach to skin refreshing rather than those looking for targeted treatment of specific skin concerns.

Safety & Precautions

Sanguisorba officinalis root extract is generally well-tolerated and is approved for use in cosmetics in most markets. Those with sensitivity to herbal extracts or tannins should perform a patch test before use, as astringent ingredients can occasionally cause mild irritation or dryness on very sensitive skin.

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