Usnea Barbata Extract
Details
The extract coming from the alpine lichen, Usnea Barbata. It is known for its excellent efficacy against gram-positive bacteria, meaning that it can serve as a natural preservative and deodorant agent.
Its main biologically active component is usnic acid (a molecule produced only by lichens) that's not only an antibacterial agent, but also has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing promoting effects. According to manufacturer info, the antibacterial activity of Usnea Barbata makes the ingredient helpful against body odor, blemished skin, and dandruff.
It is also very common in K-Beauty products, as it is part of a popular Korean natural preservative system trade named EURO-Napre (combined with Zanthoxylum Piperitum and Pulsatilla Koreana).
Show me some proof
- Weckesser, S., et al. "Screening of plant extracts for antimicrobial activity against bacteria and yeasts with dermatological relevance." Phytomedicine 14.7-8 (2007): 508-516.
- Cocchietto, Moreno, et al. "A review on usnic acid, an interesting natural compound." Naturwissenschaften 89.4 (2002): 137-146.