Antimicrobial
RHINACANTHUS NASUTUS ROOT POWDER
Safety score · 0–100
Moderate
Derived from EU CosIng regulatory status, PubChem hazard data and published research. How we score.
About
Snake jasmine root powder — a traditional antifungal botanical whose naphthoquinone content means it needs more safety awareness than a typical leaf powder.
Rhinacanthus nasutus root powder is milled from the dried root of snake jasmine, a plant traditionally used in South and Southeast Asia to treat fungal skin infections. The characteristic actives are rhinacanthins and other naphthoquinones — small reactive phenolics with documented antibacterial and antifungal activity but also potential for skin irritation and photoreactivity, based on the wider naphthoquinone class. There is no CIR or SCCS review, and modern cosmetic safety literature is sparse. EU CosIng lists the plant but with limited supporting data. Because of the reactive-quinone chemistry and lack of formal review, it scores in the Moderate band pending better dossiers.
Skin benefits
- Traditional antifungal/antibacterial use in topical preparations
- Contains naphthoquinones with documented antimicrobial activity
- Source of plant polyphenols
Known concerns
- Rhinacanthin naphthoquinones raise phototoxicity and irritation questions
- Very limited modern cosmetic safety data
- Not commonly seen in reviewed EU/US cosmetic dossiers
References
EU CosIng database
European Commission cosmetic ingredient registry — regulatory status, restrictions, authorised functions.
Related antimicrobials
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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.