botanical
Indigo Leaf Extract
Anti-inflammatory botanical extract in prestige serums. Indirubin content provides the mechanism for calming and barrier-support claims. Used in French clinical skincare for sensitive and reactive skin.
Benefits
- Anti-inflammatory via indirubin and indigo compounds
- Inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokine production
- Barrier support — improves skin hydration
- Traditional use in inflammatory skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis)
- Antioxidant flavonoid fraction
Example uses
- Brightening serums
- Clinical anti-inflammatory products
- Sensitive skin serums
- Barrier repair creams
- Calming botanical serums
Mechanism of action
Indirubin (a bis-indole alkaloid) inhibits CDK5 and GSK-3β kinases involved in inflammatory signalling cascades. Also inhibits STAT3 phosphorylation, reducing IL-6 and TNF-α production. The combination of kinase inhibition and cytokine suppression provides multi-target anti-inflammatory activity distinct from standard botanical anti-inflammatories acting through NF-κB alone.
Clinical evidence · Emerging
In vitro kinase inhibition studies well-characterised. Clinical data for topical indigo extract in atopic dermatitis is emerging. No large RCTs for cosmetic brightening claims.
Effective concentration range
0.1–1%
Formulation notes
Aqueous or hydroalcoholic extract; indirubin content requires standardisation. Deep blue colour from indigo content requires colour management in clear formulations.
Watchouts
Indirubin at high concentrations is cytotoxic — safety at cosmetic dilution is established but high-concentration extracts require careful dosing. Potential for skin staining from indigo pigment in higher concentrations.
Stacks with
Market positioning
Sold as a clinical anti-inflammatory botanical. The kinase inhibition mechanism differentiates it from simpler botanical anti-inflammatories; clinical evidence in cosmetic use is still accumulating.
Comedogenicity
0 / 5
Sensitisation risk
Low
INCI & aliases
Indigofera Tinctoria Leaf Extract
indigofera tinctoria leaf extract · true indigo extract · neel extract · isatis tinctoria extract
Clean beauty perception
Accepted in clinical clean beauty. Associated with French pharmacy and dermatological skincare traditions. Biologique Recherche's clinical positioning amplifies credibility.
Related ingredients
Graph relationships
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