Common Name(s): Myrothamnus flabellifolia extract,myrothamnus flabellifolia,african resurrection plant,trehalose desiccation protection active
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides extreme desiccation protection from trehalose water-replacement and tgqa gallotannin's exceptional antioxidant activity, protects skin proteins from dehydration-induced unfolding analogous to the plant's protein protection mechanism, and delivers anti-inflammatory luteolin activity.
Why It's Used: Myrothamnus provides the most concentrated naturally-evolved desiccation protection phytochemistry available โ the same molecular mechanisms enabling 98% water loss survival in desert conditions provide measurably superior skin barrier protection under environmental desiccation stress.
How It Works: Myrothamnus accumulates trehalose (water replacement h-bonding to protein surfaces), tgqa (3,4,5-tri-o-galloylquinic acid โ one of the most potent antioxidants measured, teac >100 mmol trolox/g), luteolin-7-glucuronide (nf-kb anti-inflammatory), and late embryogenesis abundant (lea) proteins (disordered proteins that coat cellular structures preventing desiccation damage).
Typically Found In: Premium anti-aging,extreme moisture protection,anti-stress actives
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ 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: 0.1%โ5%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Plant-derived extract or synthetic.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ 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
Tgqa (3,4,5-tri-o-galloylquinic acid) from resurrection plant is among the highest antioxidant density natural compounds measured โ each molecule provides 5 galloyl groups contributing 20 phenolic oh groups for radical scavenging, explaining the extraordinary antioxidant capacity.
Last Verified: 2026-03-22
Primary Sources: Cosing database,myrothamnus flabellifolia resurrection plant desiccation protection review