Skin Conditioning
MOMORDICA CHARANTIA STEM SAP
Safety score · 0–100
Fine
Derived from EU CosIng regulatory status, PubChem hazard data and published research. How we score.
About
Watery sap from bitter melon stems used as a skin-conditioning ingredient. Generally mild, but the species carries a few toxicology caveats.
Momordica charantia (bitter melon) is a widely consumed gourd in Asian and African cuisines. The stem sap used in cosmetics is an aqueous plant exudate rather than the seed material. The fruit has a long food-safety history, but seeds and unripe fruit contain cucurbitacins and ribosome-inactivating proteins (momorcharin family) that are pharmacologically active and potentially irritant. The stem sap is more benign but quality control matters — reputable suppliers verify the cosmetic grade is free of seed-derived proteins. No CIR monograph exists; EU CosIng lists several Momordica charantia entries as acceptable cosmetic ingredients. Cosmetic efficacy data is sparse.
Function
Skin benefits
- Antioxidant polyphenol carryover
- Mild skin-conditioning water
- Plant-based
Known concerns
- Species seeds contain potentially irritant proteins
- Quality control of the stem fraction is important
- Limited independent cosmetic data
References
EU CosIng database
European Commission cosmetic ingredient registry — regulatory status, restrictions, authorised functions.
Related skin conditionings
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This profile is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Regulatory status and scientific understanding evolve — always read the physical product label and consult a healthcare professional for personal concerns.