Common Name(s): Lithospermum erythrorhizon root oil,lithospermum erythrorhizon root oil,lithospermum root shikonin/alkannin,anti-inflammatory purple pigment active
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides 5-lox anti-inflammatory protection from shikonin's enzymatic inhibition, antimicrobial activity from naphthoquinone membrane disruption, and wound healing from keratinocyte migration stimulation.
Why It's Used: Shikonin/alkannin provide natural purple skin care actives with dual colorant + pharmacological function — the naphthoquinone chromophore provides both the visible purple pigment and the anti-inflammatory/antimicrobial pharmacology from the same molecular feature.
How It Works: Shikonin naphthoquinone: 5-lox non-competitive inhibition (ic50 ~2 μm) through active site topological complementarity; antimicrobial through dna intercalation (topoisomerase ii inhibition analogous to doxorubicin but at lower concentration); keratinocyte migration stimulation through p38 mapk → wound healing.
Typically Found In: Anti-inflammatory,anti-acne,wound healing
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient – antioxidant
Secondary Functions: Free radical scavenging,anti-aging
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.001%–0.5%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Plant-derived extract or synthetic.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; well-tolerated.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Vitamin c,vitamin e,ferulic acid,spf,other antioxidants
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Shikonin regulatory note: at high concentrations (>0.5%), shikonin's topoisomerase ii inhibition may provide pharmacological activity crossing the cosmetic/drug boundary — cosmetic formulations are limited to concentrations providing anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects without topoisomerase ii pharmacology.
Last Verified: 2026-03-22
Primary Sources: Cosing database,lithospermum erythrorhizon root oil shikonin naphthoquinone anti-inflammatory review