Lithospermum Erythrorhizon (gromwell) root extract is derived from a plant traditionally used in East Asian medicine and contains shikonin and related naphthoquinones, valued in skincare for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. It is used to calm irritation and may support wound healing and skin barrier function.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Contact dermatitis / skin irritation | Rare | Possible localized redness or itching in sensitive individuals. |
Allergic contact sensitization | Rare | Botanical extracts can occasionally trigger allergic responses. |
Temporary skin discoloration/staining | Very rare | Shikonin pigments are reddish and may transiently tint skin at high concentrations. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.