An extract of the leaves of eastern arborvitae, listed among others as an antioxidant and covered by an Annex III entry.
What it is
Thuja occidentalis leaf extract is, according to CosIng, an extract of the leaves of the eastern arborvitae (northern white cedar), Thuja occidentalis, of the cypress family (Cupressaceae). CosIng lists it as an antioxidant, bleaching, hair-conditioning, skin-conditioning and perfuming ingredient; bleaching here refers to a cosmetic function that lightens the shade of skin or hair. In the EU it is covered by an entry in Annex III (substances subject to restrictions).
Where it is used
Appears on the ingredient lists of a small number of products.
Limits of interpretation
The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.
See the EU regulation section for the applicable conditions. The INCI name does not show which solvent was used or how concentrated the extract is.
Functions
- Antioxidant
- Inhibiting reactions promoted by oxygen, thus avoiding oxidation and rancidity.
- Bleaching
- Bleaching or lightening the shade of hair and/or skin.
- Hair conditioning
- Enhancing the appearance and feel of hair. Leaving the hair easy to comb, supple, soft and shiny and/or imparting volume, lightness, gloss, texture, etc.
- Skin conditioning
- Maintaining the skin in good condition.
- Perfuming
- Used for perfume and aromatic raw materials.
EU regulation
- Conditions and warnings
- (15 ) This limit applies to the substance and not to the finished cosmetic product.’
- As of
- 3 November 2026 · (EC) 2013/344