THUJA OCCIDENTALIS LEAF EXTRACT
Commonly Found In
Overview
THUJA OCCIDENTALIS LEAF EXTRACT is a cosmetic ingredient primarily used for ANTIOXIDANT. It is commonly found in various cosmetic formulations and serves important functions in personal care products.
Also known as: Northern White Cedar Extract, Arborvitae Extract, Eastern Arborvitae Extract
Key Benefits
Thuja occidentalis leaf extract has been used historically in hair tonics. It contains flavonoids with antioxidant properties. However, it also contains thujone, a neurotoxic compound, and is restricted in EU cosmetics due to thujone content limits.
Skin Compatibility Ratings
Comedogenic Rating
Non-comedogenic; plant extract used at trace concentrations for fragrance and bioactive properties.
Source: Industry data; physicochemical properties
Irritancy Rating
Moderate irritancy potential; contains thujone, a neurotoxic monoterpene ketone. Regulated in food and beverages; cosmetic safety data limited. At very low concentrations may be tolerated, but thujone content should be controlled.
Source: EU Regulation on thujone in cosmetics; published toxicology of Thuja species
Typical Use Concentration
Range
Very low (per EU thujone limits)
Optimal
Governed by thujone content
EU restricts thujone levels in cosmetics. Concentration must be calculated based on thujone content of the extract.
Commonly Found In
Global Regulation Summary
Overview of current status across major international markets.
Detailed Regional Status
| Region | Status | Max Conc. | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πͺπΊ EU | Banned | - | - | Official β |
| πΊπΈ USA | Allowed | - | - | Official β |
| π―π΅ Japan | Allowed | - | - | Official β |
| π°π· Korea | Unknown | - | - | Official β |
| π¬π§ UK | Restricted | - | Follows EU regulations (III/119) | Official β |
π Why Regulations Differ
EU restricts thujone-containing ingredients (Annex III/119) due to the neurotoxic potential of thujone (also found in absinthe). The restriction applies to the thujone content, not necessarily an outright ban on the botanical. US and Japan apply general safety assessments.
Regulation Analysis
Regional Agreement
Banned in EU but allowed in USA, Japan.
Category Comparison
There are 59 ingredients in the ANTIOXIDANT category. 88% are banned in at least one major market.
Strictness Ranking
πΏ Natural Sources
Extracted from the leaves of Thuja occidentalis (Northern White Cedar or Arborvitae), an evergreen tree native to eastern North America. The tree was one of the first North American species brought to Europe.
π How It's Made
Produced by steam distillation or solvent extraction of the fresh or dried leaves and small branches. The extract contains thujone, flavonoids, and various terpenes.
π Uses in Cosmetics
Used in cosmetic products primarily for antioxidant, bleaching, hair conditioning, perfuming, skin conditioning.
π¬ Other Applications
Used in traditional and homeopathic medicine, as an insect repellent, in aromatherapy, and the wood itself is valued for building canoes, fences, and shingles due to its rot resistance.
π‘ Fun Facts
- β’ The name 'Arborvitae' (tree of life) was given by French explorers in the 1500s after Indigenous peoples used it to cure their scurvy during Jacques Cartier's expedition
- β’ Thujone, the main active compound, is the same substance found in absinthe that was believed to cause hallucinations
- β’ It's been used in homeopathic medicine for over 200 years, particularly for wart treatment
Data Sources
- β’ EU CosIng database β Annex III/119
- β’ SCCS opinions on thujone in cosmetics
- β’ FDA cosmetic ingredient database
Last data verification: 2026-04-16
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CEDRUS ATLANTICA BARK OIL
CITRUS LIMON PEEL OIL
HYDROLYZED HAIR KERATIN
Learn More
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is THUJA OCCIDENTALIS LEAF EXTRACT banned in the EU but allowed in the US?
The EU follows a precautionary principle, banning THUJA OCCIDENTALIS LEAF EXTRACT under III/119 due to potential safety concerns. The US FDA has not found sufficient evidence to prohibit its use, allowing it under different safety assessment standards. This reflects differing regulatory philosophies between the two regions.
Why is THUJA OCCIDENTALIS LEAF EXTRACT banned in the EU but allowed in Japan?
The EU prohibits THUJA OCCIDENTALIS LEAF EXTRACT (III/119) based on their strict safety criteria. Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) has evaluated the ingredient and permits its use, potentially with different safety data or usage conditions.
What is THUJA OCCIDENTALIS LEAF EXTRACT used for in cosmetics?
THUJA OCCIDENTALIS LEAF EXTRACT is primarily used for antioxidant in cosmetic products. It also serves as bleaching, hair conditioning. The ingredient is commonly found in anti-aging serums and creams.
Which countries regulate THUJA OCCIDENTALIS LEAF EXTRACT?
THUJA OCCIDENTALIS LEAF EXTRACT is banned in EU. It has concentration limits or usage restrictions in UK. The ingredient is freely allowed in JP, US.
Are there alternatives to THUJA OCCIDENTALIS LEAF EXTRACT?
Due to regulatory restrictions on THUJA OCCIDENTALIS LEAF EXTRACT, cosmetic manufacturers often use alternative ingredients with similar functions. For antioxidant, alternatives may include other approved ingredients in the same category. Consult product labels for specific formulations, and look for products compliant with your region's regulations.
Disclaimer
The information on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. While we strive for accuracy based on official government databases, cosmetic regulations change frequently. Always consult with a qualified professional or refer to the latest official regulatory documents for compliance. We are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided here.