Lawsonia Inermis Leaf Extract, derived from the henna plant, contains lawsone and is used in cosmetics primarily as a hair and skin dye and conditioning agent. It also has reported antimicrobial and mild astringent properties.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Allergic contact dermatitis | Uncommon | Reported with henna use, often linked to additives like para-phenylenediamine (PPD) in 'black henna' rather than pure henna. |
Skin irritation/redness | Uncommon | Mild localized irritation can occur, particularly on sensitive or broken skin. |
Contact urticaria | Rare | Hives and immediate hypersensitivity reactions reported in sensitized individuals. |
Hemolytic anemia (G6PD deficiency) | Rare | Lawsone exposure may trigger oxidative hemolysis in individuals with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, mainly relevant in infants. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.