Scutellaria Baicalensis，is a perennial herb in the Lamiaceae family，The main active ingredient of scutellaria baicalensis is flavonoids, of which the content of baicalin and baicalein is the highest. Modern pharmacological research shows that scutellaria baicalensis has antibacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and other effects. Cosmetics are mainly made from its dried roots. Scutellaria baicalensis extract is widely used in anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory cosmetics. It can also be used as a cosmetic additive for whitening, sunscreen and anti-aging.

Scutellaria baicalensis extract can eliminate free radicals, significantly inhibiting formation of lipid peroxides. Moreover, it can enhance skin’s antioxidant capacity. With age and ultraviolet radiation, human telomeres (ends of DNA) are gradually shortened, which causes body to age and affect fibroblasts. The fibroblasts provide collagen to skin. In a research published by the World Health Organization, researchers used ultraviolet light to illuminate skin cells. In skin cells not containing scutellaria extract, the telomere length was reduced by nearly 70%. However, in skin cells applying scutellaria extract, the telomeres recovered to 64% of their original length. It indicates that scutellaria baicalensis extract can increase skin metabolism, increase skin elasticity. Meanwhile, it has anti-wrinkle and anti-aging effect.

A study by School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University pointed out that scutellaria baicalensis extract contains flavonoids. So it has strong UV absorption capacity, and can attenuate UV-induced HaCaT cell death. This indicates that scutellaria baicalensis extract can be used as a safe and effective cosmetic sunscreen. It has strong UV-absorbing ability in the range of 320nm-400nm (UV-A). It can protect skin and prevent sunburn.