Ingredient Spotlight: Imperata Cylindrica

Ingredient Spotlight · Plant Active

Imperata Cylindrica

The plant that learned to hold on to water. Born in arid, salty soils, imperata cylindrica shares its survival secret with the skin: hydration that lasts.

The portrait of a desert grass that became one of our benchmark hydrating actives.

24h HydrationOsmo-protectiveSoothingAll skin types

Shop our imperata treatments

Common name: Imperata cylindrica, cogon grass, alang-alang, blady grass.
INCI name: Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract.
Family, type: Grass family (Poaceae); humectant, osmo-protective root extract.
Found in nature: Arid zones and salty coastlines of Australia, Southeast Asia and Africa. It grows where almost nothing else survives.
How it's obtained: Water-based extraction of the roots (rhizomes), followed by purification and standardization of the extract.

Typical concentration: 1% to 3% extract in hydrating treatments.
Organoleptic properties: Appearance: clear liquid, colorless to pale yellow; Scent: faintly plant-like.
Physical characteristics: Water-soluble; rich in potassium and DMSP (dimethylsulfoniopropionate), a natural osmolyte that keeps water inside cells²; Comedogenic rating: 0.
Benefits: Long-lasting hydration, osmo-regulating, protects the skin barrier, soothing.
Cosmetic indications: Dehydrated skin prone to tightness, exposed to cold, sun or dry air. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive.

Did you know?A little history

To survive drought and salt, imperata developed a strategy biologists call osmo-protection.

Its roots accumulate potassium and a small molecule, DMSP, which keep water inside the cells even when the surrounding environment is arid. It's this mechanism, found in many plants from extreme environments, that cosmetic science has learned to transpose to the skin².

In Asia, the plant has been used for centuries to thatch roofs, and in traditional medicine for its cooling properties.

General useWhy skin gets dehydrated

Skin constantly loses water through evaporation: this is transepidermal water loss. Wind, heating, air conditioning, sun or overly harsh cleansers speed it up. When the outer layer can no longer hold enough water, skin feels tight, shows fine lines and loses its radiance.

Two families of actives address this: humectants, which capture water, and osmo-protectants, which help cells keep it. Imperata belongs to the second, rarer group^1,2.

Dry skin and dehydrated skin aren't the same thing: the first lacks lipids, the second lacks water. Every skin type, even oily, can be dehydrated.

Cosmetic useIts properties on skin

Long-lasting hydrationThe extract helps epidermal cells hold on to water: hydration lasts for hours after application¹.
Osmo-protectivePotassium and DMSP rebalance cells' osmotic pressure and limit water loss².
ComfortTightness fades; skin regains suppleness and softness.
RadianceWell-hydrated skin reflects light better: the complexion looks fresher and dehydration lines less visible.
VersatileNon-comedogenic and lightweight, it works as well in a mattifying fluid as in a rich cream.
SoothingBy preserving water in the outer layer, it supports barrier function and reduces reactivity.

FormulationImperata at Yon-Ka

One form, a standardized root extract, but two roles in our formulas.

Main hydrating active

Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract

In the Hydra N°1 line, imperata is paired with hyaluronic acid and organic aloe vera: hyaluronic acid captures water, imperata holds it in, aloe soothes.

Hydra N°1 Masque · Hydra N°1 Creme · Hydra N°1 Fluid · Hydra N°1 Serum

Synergy active

Long-lasting hydration in targeted treatments

In Prolongateur de Bronzage and Men's Age Defense, it brings hydration to formulas whose main active lies elsewhere (tea polyphenols, beech buds).

Prolongateur de Bronzage · Men's Age Defense

In cosmeticsUses

Hydrating creams and fluids, day and night;
Concentrated hydrating serums;
Thirst-quenching masks;
After-sun care and tan extenders;
Men's hydrating anti-aging care.

The Yon-Ka approach

Hydrating means supplying water, but above all keeping it. That's why the Hydra N°1 line pairs a benchmark humectant, hyaluronic acid, with a plant osmo-protectant, imperata. All carried by the Yon-Ka Quintessence for a complete skincare moment.

The science of the active, the sensoriality of the plant.

How to useAdding it to your ritual

In the morning
After Lotion Yon-Ka, apply Hydra N°1 Creme (normal to dry skin) or Hydra N°1 Fluid (combination skin) to your face and neck.
As a treatment course
Add Hydra N°1 Serum under your cream for two to four weeks at each change of season.
Once or twice a week
Hydra N°1 Masque in a thick layer, 10 to 15 minutes, for an instant glow boost.

Good to knowStorage and precautions

A stable, water-soluble extract, imperata needs no special storage: close your bottles and follow the period-after-opening guidance.

Very well tolerated, with no known contraindication for topical use, including during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Suitable for sensitive skin. As with any plant extract, an individual reaction is still possible: if in doubt, patch test behind the ear first.

Go furtherSources

Leite e Silva V.R. et al. Hydrating effects of moisturizer active compounds incorporated into hydrogels: in vivo assessment and comparison between devices. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2009; 8(1): 32-39. PubMed
Yancey P.H. Organic osmolytes as compatible, metabolic and counteracting cytoprotectants in high osmolarity and other stresses. Journal of Experimental Biology, 2005; 208: 2819-2830. PubMed
COSMILE Europe (Cosmetics Europe), cosmetic ingredient database, Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract. cosmileeurope.eu

Selection