Evidence supporting the use of: Chinese hibiscus
For the health condition: Skin Care (general)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for various skin-related concerns. Traditionally, the flowers and leaves have been applied topically to soothe inflammation, treat wounds, and enhance skin appearance. Folk remedies include poultices and extracts made from the plant to manage minor skin irritations, burns, and to promote wound healing. The rationale is often based on the perceived cooling, astringent, and emollient properties of the plant.
Scientific investigations into Chinese hibiscus for skin care are limited. Some in vitro and animal studies suggest antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities of hibiscus extracts, which could theoretically benefit skin health. However, there is a lack of robust clinical trials in humans specifically addressing the efficacy of Chinese hibiscus for general skin care or dermatological conditions. Most modern cosmetic uses rely on the plant’s antioxidant content, but these are extrapolated from basic research rather than clinical outcomes. Thus, while traditional use is well documented, scientific validation remains preliminary, justifying a moderate evidence rating.
Other ingredients used for Skin Care (general)
aloe veraanthocyanins
apple
apricot
astaxanthin
beeswax
beet
beta-carotene
black currant
radish
sesame
bovine gelatin
catalase
colostrum
cryptoxanthin
cucumber
d-alpha tocopherol
dog rose
heartwood
hyaluronic acid
l-cysteine
l-glutathione
l-histidine
linoleic acid (LA)
lovage
lychee
magnesium
mango
mixed carotenoids
oat
omega-3 fatty acids
pumpkin
redcurrant
silicon
keratin
spinach
starch
tomato
almond fruit
Urolithin A
vitamin A
vitamin C
vitamin E
watercress
watermelon
zinc
sarsaparilla
red clover
chickweed
oryza
root tuber
birch
dulse leaf
camphor oil
goji berry
amaranth
sea salt
3,3'-dihydroxy-B-carotene-4,4'-dione
Alpha-terpineol
Azelaic acid
Arbutin
Avocado
Anserina
Ascophyllum nodosum
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Asam gelugor
Allantoin
anthocyanidins
Algal protein
Argan nut oil
Abalone
Behenic Acid
Biopeptide
Black spruce
beta-zeacarotene
Brassica
Bisabolene
Butternut
Borage
Bottle gourd
Bird's nest
California chia
Chervil
Carnosine
Candelilla wax
Cocoa Butter
Cereal grass
Citral
Castile Soap
Copaiba Oil
Currant
Dunaliella salina
David's Milkberry
Dulse
Egg
Emu Oil
Himalayan Salt
Oak
Orchid
Rose
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Silk protein
Other health conditions supported by Chinese hibiscus
Cancer (natural therapy for)Cancer (prevention)
Cholesterol (high)
Diabetes
Fatigue
Hypertension
Inflammation
Liver Detoxification
Pain (general remedies for)
Skin Care (general)
Stress
Urinary Tract Infections