murphyPhaffia rhodozyma extract
AKA: Red Yeast Extract, Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous Extract
Plant-Derived
Skin Conditioner
Extract
Not Clean
OriginDerived from Phaffia rhodozyma, a red yeast naturally found in harsh alpine and sub-arctic environments worldwide. Extracted from the yeast biomass using solvent extraction methods to isolate astaxanthin and other bioactive compounds.
Phaffia Rhodozyma Extract is a cosmetic ingredient. Assessed as safe by the CIR.
Form
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dullness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Antioxidant Protection
Softens & Smooths
Locks In Moisture
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory0 listings
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not Phototoxic
Lab (in vitro) test found no phototoxicity in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 842)
Not a Skin Irritant
1 study / 1 not irritating (CIR 842)
Not a Sensitizer
1 study / 1 not sensitizing (CIR 842)
Not an Eye Irritant
1 study / 1 not irritating (CIR 842)
Concentration Guide
CIR lists it as not reported to be in use.
CIR · report published 2024
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR