You may see swallow-wort in skincare products listed as “cynanchum atratum extract” or specifically the root extract. It is a vine with flower clusters and leaves on stalks. It grows and spreads through rhizomes which are fleshy branches which run on the ground. The roots and shoots grow out of the rhizomes. The root and rhizomes of Swallow-wort are also known as Bai Wei in traditional Chinese medicine.
Baishouwubenzophenone is the active ingredient that has been isolated from swallow-wort root extract. It shows anti-tumour, anti-oxidant, gastroprotective (digestive system protective), anti-aging and immune system regulation properties.
Swallow-wort root extract is used in skincare and cosmetics for :
- Anti-inflammatory and soothing properties
- Research has found swallow-wort extract successfully reduces inflammation in cases atopic dermatitis. It soothes irritated and sensitive skin.
- Skin barrier enhancement
- Swallow-wort extract can help regulate keratinocyte differentiation (the process of skin cell development). This ensures skin cells created as healthy as possible resulting in healthier skin barrier.
- Skin brightening and skin tone evening
- Since swallow-wort extract regulates skin cell development and skin health, melanin production is also regulated. Skin tone is evened out. Dark spots fade. Hyperpigmentation or darkening is reduced.
- Antioxidative effects
- Swallow-wort extract contains flavonoids and phenolic acids like sinapic acid which are antioxidative. These compounds neutralize free radicals that your cells produce when they are exposed to environmental stressors such as UV rays, pollution, extreme heat and cold. By neutralizing these free radicals, they are prevented from causing further damage to your skin cells and causing premature aging.
- Support wound healing
- All of the functions above support your body’s natural wound healing and skin repair functions. This gives a chance for your skin to grow strong and healthier.
We have included swallow-wort extract into ioula’s Rejuvenating Serum to harness its multitude of beneficial properties to help your skin recover and then repair itself.
Swallow-wort Flower (Featured Image)
“russian swallow-wort, russische schwalbenwurz” by Ian Whyte is marked with CC0 1.0 
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Swallow-wort Flower Close-up (Featured Image)
“Gigantic swallow wort (Calotropis gigantea) in Hyderabad, AP W IMG 8086” by J.M.Garg is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 
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Swallow-wort Vines
“louise's swallow-wort, schwarze schwalbenwurz” by Sandy Wolkenberg is licensed under CC BY 4.0 .