Ficus Carica (fig) fruit extract is a botanical ingredient used in skincare for its conditioning, humectant, and antioxidant properties, owing to its sugars, vitamins, and polyphenols. It is most often included as a supportive botanical rather than a primary clinical active.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Allergic contact dermatitis | Uncommon | Possible in individuals sensitized to fig or related plants (Moraceae family). |
Skin irritation or redness | Rare | Mild transient irritation reported in sensitive skin. |
Phytophotodermatitis | Rare | Fig contains furocoumarins (psoralens); concentrated leaf/sap exposure plus UV light can cause photosensitivity reactions, though purified fruit extracts pose lower risk. |
Cross-reactivity in latex-fruit syndrome | Very rare | Theoretical concern in latex-allergic individuals due to shared protein epitopes. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.