This evergreen perennial shrub, also called Ruscus, is common in France, particularly in soils that enjoy a mild climate, since it does not like the cold. It is a small shrub with sharp, pointed, dark green leaves. The tiny white flowers which form after pollinisation later develop into bright red berries which are highly toxic. The root has long been been used in cosmetics, in particular for its vaso-constricting, soothing and draining properties. Clarins Laboratories uses a specific extract which contains all of the key ingredients found in the root and gives products intense decongestive and soothing actions.