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Botanical Extract · Aqueous Hydroglycerin · 5% Loading

Sophora Root Extract

Sophora Flavescens Root Extract · 5% aqueous hydroglycerin stock

Unlock multi-functional botanical efficacy with Formulate Labs' Sophora Flavescens Root Extract, a fixed 5% hydroglycerin stock rich in key actives like quinolizidine alkaloids and prenylated flavonoids, known by trade names such as Sophora and Ku Shen.

  • Fixed 5% Sophora Flavescens Root Extract in Water + Propanediol + Glycerin Extract or Hydroglycerin Extract base
  • Four preservation systems - 8 recipes total, all made-to-order
  • COA + SDS + TDS per base/preservative variant · 500 g to 17 kg
Base: Water + Propanediol + Glycerin Extract Full composition
Preservation: Linatural MBS-4 INCI breakdown
Aqueous stock with water, propanediol, and glycerin carrying 5% botanical extract. Balanced humectancy with propanediol solubilization - default for brightening and soothing serums and toners. Preserved with Linatural MBS-4 at 2%.
Target pH
4.5 – 5.1
Shelf life (RT · cold)
12–18 mo · 18–24 mo
Final INCI deck (this stock, ordered by %)
Water, Propanediol, Glycerin, Sophora Flavescens Root Extract, Propanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Benzoic Acid
Size: 500 g Formulation guide
1
Sophora Flavescens
Root Extract
COA & SDS
Every batch
Cosmetic grade
Aqueous hydroglycerin
Specifications

Everything you need on the technical data sheet.

INCI Name
Sophora Flavescens Root Extract
Common names
Sophora · Ku Shen · Sophora Flavescens
Loading
5% extract in hydroglycerin stock
Solubility
Aqueous / water phase
Appearance
Amber to brown aqueous fluid
pH (bulk material)
4.5 – 5.1
Add at
Cool-down < 40–45 °C
Shelf Life
12–18 mo RT · 18–24 mo refrigerated
sophora botanical extract - sophora hydroglycerin stock Sophora flavescens root
The extract

The Science of Sophora Flavescens

Derived from the root of Sophora flavescens, known traditionally as Ku Shen or simply Sophora, Formulate Labs offers the INCI-named Sophora Flavescens Root Extract, not supplier-specific SKUs. This extract is characterized by a high concentration of active compounds including quinolizidine alkaloids and prenylated flavonoids, responsible for its multi-functional cosmetic activity.

Dual mechanism: Sophora Flavescens Root Extract provides targeted efficacy through several distinct biochemical pathways. Its bioactive alkaloids and flavonoids directly inhibit key signaling pathways to help modulate the skin's response to irritants and reduce the appearance of redness. This anti-inflammatory action is complemented by its antioxidant properties, which help protect the skin from environmental stressors. Cosmetically, it supports a clear and even-toned complexion as its prenylated flavonoids function as tyrosinase inhibitors to help manage the appearance of hyperpigmentation, while its alkaloid content provides broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties that disrupt the cellular integrity of microorganisms like Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus aureus.

Use levels: For Formulate Labs' fixed 5% hydroglycerin stock, clinically observed efficacy of Sophora Flavescens Root Extract begins when the final formulation contains 0.05% of the extract. This corresponds to adding 1% of our 5% stock to a formulation. Maximum safe historical usage of the extract is documented up to 2.126% in leave-on applications and up to 8.33% in rinse-off products. Formulators should always conduct their own safety and stability testing.

Market context: Sophora Flavescens Root Extract is positioned in the B2B market as a premium, multi-functional botanical 'hero' ingredient. It serves as a clean-label, plant-derived alternative to synthetic biocides and soothing agents, meeting consumer demand for eco-certified solutions in acne management and sensitive skin care. Its broad-spectrum activity allows it to unify claims across multiple product categories, including anti-aging, skin soothing, and hair cycle support. The ingredient is further differentiated by an emphasis on supply-chain transparency, including sustainable, pesticide-free harvesting and standardized active constituent profiles that satisfy the rigorous quality requirements of high-end brands.

Pricing context: Publicly available pricing data for cosmetic-grade Sophora Flavescens liquid extracts is sparse, with raw botanical bulk powders varying widely depending on standardization. For a high-quality, standardized liquid extract like Formulate Labs' offering, a realistic B2B price structure is: 500 g sample at $117.00, 1 kg at $180.00, and 17 kg (pail) at $2,601.00 ($153.00/kg).

We ship a fixed 5% extract blend with selectable preservation - ready to meter into water-phase formulas at the use rates in the formulation guide below.*

5%
Fixed extract loading
2
Hydroglycerin bases
4
Preservation options
Aqueous
Water-phase compatible
Ingredient deck assessment

What this material is and isn’t.

Botanical
Leaf/stem extract; pentacyclic triterpene saponins
Aqueous stock
Hydroglycerin carrier; water phase
Cruelty-free
No animal testing in our process
Cosmetic grade
For professional formulation use

Trade names (Sophora, Ku Shen) are distinct from Formulate Labs' INCI-compliant Sophora Flavescens Root Extract.

Made to Order

Built fresh on our robotic platform.

Every lot is produced to order in our AI-powered robotic factory. Nothing sits on a warehouse shelf going stale - you get a date-of-manufacture-fresh batch every time.

01
Order placed
You pick a size and quantity. We confirm specs against your formulation if you have one.
02
Robotic production
Your inputs go in. We process, blend, and fill sealed packaging - all inside our AI-powered robotic factory.
03
Batch QC + COA
Every batch is tested for actives, pH, micro, and appearance. A batch-specific COA, SDS, and TDS ship with the order.
Why formulators reach for it

Science-backed cosmetic positioning.

Radiant & Even Tone*
Inhibits tyrosinase activity to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and promote a luminous complexion.
Soothes & Protects*
Modulates skin's response to irritants and supports barrier function, helping to calm visible redness and protect against environmental stressors.
Scalp Vitality & Hair Health*
Supports the natural hair growth cycle by influencing key growth factors and inhibiting 5-alpha-reductase, promoting the appearance of fuller, healthier hair.
Clarity & Purity*
Provides broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties against microorganisms like <em>Cutibacterium acnes</em> and <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em> for blemish-prone skin.

* Structure/function statements based on published cosmetic in-vitro studies. Not evaluated for, and not intended to, diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Published research

Peer-reviewed literature for due diligence.

Sophora Flavescens Root Extract is documented in cosmetic peptide/protein literature. These are independent, third-party papers we link for formulators evaluating mechanism, tolerability, and published panel data. We did not conduct this research and do not guarantee replication in your finished formula.

Review
See PubMed record

See linked PubMed record

See journal record

Peer-reviewed reference cited in Deep Research evidence brief.

Review
See PubMed record

See linked PubMed record

See journal record

Peer-reviewed reference cited in Deep Research evidence brief.

These citations are provided for informational and formulation-research purposes only. Study designs, concentrations, vehicle systems, and populations vary and may not match the hydroglycerin stocks on this page. Published results do not constitute FDA or EU cosmetic claim substantiation for your brand. Always review the primary literature and consult your regulatory counsel before making structure/function statements on finished products.

Composition

What’s in this hydroglycerin stock.

Bulk composition at fixed 5% Sophora Flavescens Root Extract loading. Base carrier components scale proportionally when preservative is added; extract stays at 5%. Updates dynamically when you change base or preservation above. Full CAS disclosure is on the SDS/TDS for the selected variant (FL-SFR-W1-MBS4-5PCT-001).

Water · 58.737% Propanediol · 24.474% Glycerin · 9.789% Sophora Flavescens Root Extract · 5% Linatural™ MBS-4 · 2%
Water
CAS7732-18-5
Solvent
58.737%
Propanediol
CAS504-63-2
Humectant / solubilizer
24.474%
Glycerin
CAS56-81-5
Humectant carrier
9.789%
Sophora Flavescens Root Extract
CASContact for COA
Active botanical extract (triterpene-rich)
5%
Linatural MBS-4
Multifunctional preservative
2%
Inside Linatural MBS-4
Propanediol
CAS504-63-2
1.7%
Ethylhexylglycerin
CAS70445-33-9
0.2%
Benzoic Acid
CAS65-85-0
0.1%
Formulation guide

Built for chemists who sweat the details.

Typical use rate (this stock)
Typically 1–42.52% of Formulate Labs' 5% hydroglycerin stock (delivers 0.05–2.126% Sophora Flavescens Root Extract in final leave-on formulations).
pH compatibility
4.5 – 5.1 (stock target; finished-formula pH window per stability data)
Solubility
Highly soluble in water, ethanol, and multi-glycol systems. Ideal for hydroglycerin and propanediol-based extractions; compatible with Formulate Labs' Water + Propanediol + Glycerin and Hydroglycerin stock bases.
Temperature
Chemically stable under standard cosmetic manufacturing temperatures. Finished formulas should be protected from direct, prolonged UV exposure to prevent degradation of flavonoid components.
Incompatibilities
Caution is advised when formulating with strongly anionic polymers (e.g., carbomers) or highly anionic surfactants due to potential precipitation caused by the extract's high alkaloid content.
Pairs well with
Formulate Labs' Water + Propanediol + Glycerin stock base, Hydroglycerin stock base.
Self-preserving
Yes - 2% Linatural MBS-4. Boost preservation per your finished-formula needs

Documentation

SDS + TDS are issued per base and preservative combination. Links swap when you change selections above. COA is batch-specific and ships with the order.

Need something different?
Custom extract loading, alternate carriers, bulk sizing, or a regulatory packet - reach out and we’ll quote.
Compliance & safety

The fine print, in plain English.

What it’s for
Used in cosmetic formulations for skin care (brightening, barrier support, blemish-prone skin) and hair & scalp care (hair vitality, scalp health).
Claims guidance
Guidance for claims includes skin brightening, even skin tone, soothing, anti-redness (appearance), antioxidant, blemish-prone skin support, scalp health, and hair vitality. Avoid any therapeutic or drug claims.
Storage
  • Store tightly closed, protected from light and heat.
  • Refrigeration optional for extended shelf life per TDS.
  • Aqueous botanical - monitor for color shift over time.
Regulatory
  • Finished-product INCI lists components in descending order per the selected variant deck.
  • Cosmetic function: skin conditioning agent, antioxidant, antimicrobial
  • Full blend composition disclosed on SDS/TDS (FL-SFR series).
  • Compatible with FDA cosmetic regulations and EU 1223/2009 for intended cosmetic use when properly incorporated.
Handling
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Handle in accordance with good manufacturing practices. Formulators should conduct their own safety and stability testing.
Questions
Documentation, regulatory, or custom sizing - email materials@formulatelabs.ai.

Statements contained on this page (including any marked with *) have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This product is a cosmetic raw material and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

500 g
$117.00
Added to cart View cart →