Quick answer
Has proven antioxidant, anti-pollution, and soothing abilities; Rich source of gallic acid; Also known as Tsubaki; Native to China, Korea, and Japan Key benefits: Anti-Aging.
Camellia Japonica Flower Extract
Updated
Camellia Japonica Flower Extract is the extract of the flowers of the Camellia, Camellia japonica L., Theaceae
Purpose
This plant-based ingredient (also known as Tsubaki) has proven antioxidant, anti-pollution, and soothing abilities.
Rating
BEST
Category
Plant Extracts, Antioxidant
INCI Purpose
SKIN CONDITIONING, SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT
Benefits
Alternative Names
At a Glance
Has proven antioxidant, anti-pollution, and soothing abilities
Rich source of gallic acid
Also known as Tsubaki
Native to China, Korea, and Japan
Article
Camellia japonica flower extract is also known as Tsubaki, Japanese camellia, common camellia. Native to Korea, China, and Japan, research has shown this plant has impressive antioxidant, anti-pollution, and soothing abilities.
Specific to anti-pollution, testing on human skin samples revealed that topical application of the flower extract protects fibroblasts (cells in skin that make collagen) from oxidative damage that heavy metal airborne pollutants trigger. It also intercepts collagen-degrading enzymes before they lead to visible signs of aging such as wrinkles and orange peel-like skin texture.
Along with offering antioxidant and pollution-neutralizing benefits on its own, topical application of Camellia japonica flower also boosts the presence of several antioxidant enzymes that naturally occur in skin, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. This helps skin better defend itself against external aggressors that detract from a healthy appearance.
This plant is also a rich source of the oil-soluble antioxidant gallic acid and a compound known as Camellioside A. Its usage level in skin care is typically 0.1%.
References