Artemisia Princeps Extract: What Is It, Cosmetic Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: June 23, 2025
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All information on this page is verified using The Personal Care Products Council's (PCPC) INCI database. Our ingredient analyses are based exclusively on PCPC's technical data to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Artemisia Princeps Extract?

Artemisia Princeps Extract comes from the whole plant of Artemisia princeps, a member of the daisy family found across East Asia. The plant is rich in natural compounds such as flavonoids, phenolic acids and essential oils that give it soothing and antioxidant properties prized in skin care. Traditional Korean and Japanese remedies used mugwort leaves in baths and compresses for centuries, and formulators took note when looking for gentle botanical ingredients that calm skin while supporting its barrier. To create the extract, harvested aerial parts are dried, ground and soaked in a solvent like water or glycerin. The liquid is then filtered and concentrated, yielding a clear to pale brown solution ready for use. You can spot Artemisia Princeps Extract in sheet masks, hydrating toners, lightweight moisturizers and recovery creams aimed at reducing visible redness and improving overall skin comfort.

Artemisia Princeps Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

In cosmetic formulas Artemisia Princeps Extract is valued primarily for its skin conditioning ability, meaning it helps keep skin soft, smooth and healthy looking by replenishing moisture, supplying antioxidants and supporting a balanced feel.

Who Can Use Artemisia Princeps Extract

Because it is gentle and non greasy, Artemisia Princeps Extract is generally suitable for all skin types including dry, normal, combination, oily and sensitive. Its calming nature makes it especially appealing to skin that is easily irritated or prone to redness. There is no evidence that it triggers extra oil production or clogs pores, so acne-prone users can usually enjoy it as well.

The extract is plant derived with no animal by-products, which makes it appropriate for vegans and vegetarians.

Current research shows no specific risks linked to topical Artemisia Princeps Extract during pregnancy or while nursing; however this is not medical advice. Anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding should run any skin care product past a qualified health professional to be on the safe side.

The ingredient does not cause photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. Standard daytime sun protection is still recommended for overall skin health.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Reactions to Artemisia Princeps Extract can differ from one person to the next. The points below list potential side effects, but most users will not experience them when the ingredient is used properly in a well-formulated product.

  • Mild redness or stinging on very reactive skin
  • Allergic contact dermatitis in people sensitive to plants in the daisy family
  • Rare irritation when combined with high levels of other active ingredients such as strong acids or retinoids

If any lasting discomfort, rash or swelling occurs, stop using the product and seek advice from a medical professional.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0/5. Artemisia Princeps Extract is a water-based botanical with negligible oil content and a very light molecular footprint, so it does not tend to block pores. It is therefore considered safe for those prone to acne or breakouts. Formulas that pair the extract with heavy oils or occlusive waxes may alter the overall pore-clogging risk, but the extract itself remains non-comedogenic.

Summary

Artemisia Princeps Extract conditions skin by delivering antioxidants, calming compounds and lightweight hydration that help keep the barrier comfortable and resilient. It has gained steady popularity in Korean and Japanese skin care, and is now showing up in global products like toners, serums and soothing masks. Overall safety is high with only rare reports of irritation in people sensitive to plants from the daisy family. As with any new cosmetic ingredient, perform a quick patch test when trying a product that features Artemisia Princeps Extract just to be sure your skin agrees with it.

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