Allium cepa Bulb Extract is a smart, cosmetic-grade active that brings antioxidant support, visible tone-evening, and a comfort-first feel to skin and scalp formulas. The bulb naturally carries flavonols (notably quercetin), phenolic acids, and gentle sulphur-bearing compounds that work together to defend against daily environmental stress while helping skin look smoother and more uniform over time.
What it does
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Antioxidant backup: Quercetin and friends help neutralise free radicals from UV exposure and pollution, supporting a fresher, more resilient look.
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Calm & comfort: Well-built formulas with onion extract can feel soothing after cleansing, workouts or sun—handy for easily ruffled complexions.
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Tone-evening support: With regular use, it helps reduce the look of uneven tone and post-blemish marks, promoting a more polished appearance (not a drug claim).
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Scalp balance: In shampoos and tonics, it contributes to a clean, comfortable scalp feel and healthy-looking shine.
Where it shines in formulas
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Face: hydrating toners/essences, gel serums, light lotions, overnight masks targeted at clarity and calm.
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Body: after-sun gels and lightweight creams focused on comfort and uniformity.
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Hair/scalp: micellar shampoos, scalp essences and leave-in sprays for balanced roots.
It layers neatly with niacinamide (tone/barrier), panthenol & allantoin (comfort), glycerin/betaine (hydration), and everyday antioxidants like green tea or vitamin E derivatives. Keep total irritation load modest if you’re also using acids or retinoids.
Formulation notes (for the chem-curious)
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Format & solubility: Most cosmetic onion extracts are water- or glycerin-based and slot into the water phase of emulsions, gels and mists. CO₂ or alcohol fractions exist for oil-leaning systems.
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Use levels (follow supplier spec): ~0.2–2% in leave-ons; up to 5–10% in rinse-offs and masks depending on desired impact.
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pH & processing: Aim for pH 4.5–6.5; add during cool-down to preserve delicate phenolics.
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Odour management: Choose deodorised grades, consider encapsulation, and keep fragrance low-key but purposeful.
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Stability & colour: Typically pale amber; protect from light and air. If your water is mineral-rich, include a chelator (GLDA/EDTA) to minimise discolouration.
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Compatibility: Plays well with common emulsifiers/surfactants; in surfactant systems, balance fragrance and actives to avoid sting.
Skin types & suitability
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Best for: normal, combination and oily skin; helpful as a “polish and calm” add-on for dry types.
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Sensitive-friendly: Generally well tolerated when the full formula is gentle and fragrance kept modest. As with any botanical, patch testing is smart if you’re reactive.
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Ethics: Vegan, cruelty-free and plant-derived (confirm certs with your supplier).
Claims & labels you can support (check local regs)
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Antioxidant protection
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Helps soothe and comfort skin/scalp
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Helps improve the look of uneven tone/post-blemish marks
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Supports a healthy-looking barrier
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Naturally derived / plant-based / vegan / cruelty-free
Safety & Usage
Topically, Allium cepa extracts and oils are generally considered safe when used appropriately. However some caveats:
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As with all botanicals, individuals with onion/allium sensitivities should patch-test.
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While onion extract supports hair/scalp/negligible skin benefits, it is not a substitute for medical treatments (e.g., hair loss from hormonal causes, deep scarring requiring dermatological intervention).
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In hair-care, base formulation and delivery matter (e.g., leave-on vs rinse-off, scalp vs lengths).
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Odor and color may need to be managed if extract retains strong sulphur smell or pigmentation.
Properties
Anti-oxidant, Wound healing, Scar reducer
INCI Name
Allium cepa Bulb Extract
