Sideritis Hyssopifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem 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 30, 2025
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We verify all information on this page using publicly available nomenclature standards from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), the European Commission's CosIng database and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Sideritis Hyssopifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract?

Sideritis Hyssopifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract comes from the aerial parts of Sideritis hyssopifolia, a hardy herb in the mint family that grows in rocky mountain regions of Southern Europe. The plant has long been brewed as a soothing herbal tea, nicknamed mountain tea, for its pleasant taste and calming qualities. Skin care brands took notice when early folk use hinted at its ability to comfort dry irritated skin. Today the extract is produced by soaking the dried flowers leaves and stems in a mix of water and gentle solvents, then filtering and concentrating the liquid to capture the plant’s beneficial compounds such as flavonoids, phenolic acids and essential oils. You will usually spot this extract in moisturizing creams, calming face masks, after-sun lotions, anti-aging serums and other leave-on treatments that aim to smooth and soften the skin.

Sideritis Hyssopifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This plant extract is prized in formulas for the way it helps skin look and feel healthier.

  • Skin conditioning: Its natural antioxidants and soothing molecules help improve the skin’s texture and suppleness making the surface feel softer and more comfortable while lending a refreshed appearance.

Who Can Use Sideritis Hyssopifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

This extract is generally considered suitable for all skin types. Dry or sensitive skin may benefit the most thanks to its calming and cushioning nature, while normal and combination skin can enjoy the added softness without a greasy feel. Oily or acne-prone skin usually tolerates it well because the extract is lightweight and non-clogging.

Because it is a plant-derived ingredient, products that contain only botanical carriers and no animal by-products are typically appropriate for vegans and vegetarians. Always check the full ingredient list and brand policies to be sure no animal-based additives or animal testing were involved in the finished product.

No specific contraindications are known for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should run any skincare product past a doctor just to be on the safe side.

The extract is not known to cause photosensitivity so it should not make skin more prone to sunburn. Standard daytime sun protection is still important for overall skin health.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Side effects and reactions to the topical application of Sideritis Hyssopifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract can vary from person to person. The following is a list of potential side effects and interactions yet they are uncommon when the ingredient is used correctly in a well-formulated product.

  • Mild redness or stinging in very sensitive skin
  • Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals allergic to plants from the mint family
  • Itchiness or hives linked to fragrance sensitivities if the extract contains trace volatile oils

If you experience any of these reactions stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0

Sideritis Hyssopifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract is mostly water soluble and contains minimal fatty components, so it does not leave a heavy film that might trap dead cells or sebum in pores. Its light nature places it at the bottom of the comedogenic scale, making it effectively non pore clogging.

Because of this, it is generally suitable for skin that is prone to acne or breakouts.

As with any ingredient, the final formula counts: rich creams pairing the extract with heavy oils or waxes may still feel occlusive even though the extract itself is not.

Summary

Sideritis Hyssopifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract is valued for skin conditioning thanks to its mix of soothing flavonoids, antioxidant phenolic acids and trace essential oils that collectively help calm dryness and leave skin softer and more supple. Niche natural beauty brands feature it most often, so while it is not a mainstream superstar it enjoys steady popularity in botanical focused lines.

Topically it is considered very safe with a low likelihood of irritation for most users. Still, every skin is unique so doing a quick patch test with any new product is a smart habit to avoid surprises.

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