What Is Parietaria Officinalis Extract?
Parietaria Officinalis Extract comes from the leaves and stems of the pellitory plant, a member of the nettle family that grows across Europe and parts of Asia. Traditionally the plant was used in folk remedies for its calming effect on the skin, which led formulators to study it for modern beauty products. The main soothing molecules are flavonoids and phenolic acids that help comfort stressed or irritated skin. To create the extract, the dried plant parts are soaked in a skin friendly solvent such as glycerin or water, then filtered to leave a clear liquid rich in these calming compounds. You will most often spot Parietaria Officinalis Extract in moisturizers, face masks, after-sun lotions, anti-aging creams and any product designed for sensitive or redness-prone skin.
Parietaria Officinalis Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This plant extract adds two key benefits to a formula
- Emollient – softens and smooths the skin surface helping to reduce rough patches and boost overall comfort
- Soothing – helps calm visible redness and feelings of irritation making products more suitable for sensitive skin
Who Can Use Parietaria Officinalis Extract
Parietaria Officinalis Extract is gentle enough for most skin types. Dry, normal and combination skin often appreciate its softening effect while sensitive or redness-prone complexions value its calming nature. Oily or acne-prone skin usually tolerates it well because the extract is lightweight and non-greasy, though those with very reactive skin should still monitor how their skin feels when trying any new product.
The extract comes purely from plant leaves and stems with no animal-derived additives so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Current research shows no specific concerns for pregnant or breastfeeding women using cosmetics that contain Parietaria Officinalis Extract. That said, this information is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run any skincare product past a healthcare professional to be safe.
The ingredient is not known to cause photosensitivity, meaning it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It also plays well with most common actives such as niacinamide, peptides and hyaluronic acid, making it easy to slot into existing routines.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical Parietaria Officinalis Extract differ from person to person. The points below outline potential reactions only and are not expected to be the typical user experience. When the ingredient is used correctly in a well-formulated product most people experience no problems.
- Allergic contact dermatitis – rare cases of redness rash or swelling can occur in individuals allergic to plants from the nettle family
- Mild stinging or burning – very sensitive skin may feel a brief tingle when the product is first applied
- Itching or dryness – improper formulation or overuse could upset the skin’s moisture balance leading to temporary discomfort
- Cross-reactivity with pollen allergies – people highly sensitized to Pellitory pollen might notice localized irritation though this is uncommon
If any unwanted reaction appears stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
Parietaria Officinalis Extract is water or glycerin based and contains mainly soothing flavonoids rather than heavy oils or waxes. Its molecules are small and lightweight so they are unlikely to block pores, which is why it earns a low score of 1. This makes the extract generally suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin. Because it is usually included at low percentages it rarely changes a formula’s pore-clogging potential. If the finished product feels greasy it is almost always due to other ingredients rather than the extract itself.
Summary
Parietaria Officinalis Extract acts as an emollient and a soothing agent. The plant’s flavonoids and phenolic acids help soften the skin surface while calming visible redness and discomfort. Although not a headline ingredient like hyaluronic acid or vitamin C it shows up in a fair number of moisturizers, after-sun lotions and products aimed at sensitive skin users who value its gentle touch.
Current data and practical use suggest it is a safe addition to cosmetic formulas with very low risk of irritation for most people. Still, skin can be unpredictable so it is wise to do a small patch test when trying any new product that contains this extract.