Sideritis Raeseri 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 Raeseri Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract?

Sideritis Raeseri Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract comes from the aerial parts of Sideritis raeseri, a resilient mountain herb often called Greek mountain tea. Farmers harvest the flowers, leaves and stems, then dry and grind the plant before soaking it in a gentle solvent such as water or a mix of water and glycerin. The liquid pulls out helpful plant compounds like flavonoids and phenolic acids, which are known for their ability to fight off free radicals. Once filtered, the solvent is removed or reduced to create a concentrated extract that blends easily into creams or serums.

People in the Mediterranean have brewed Sideritis as a soothing drink for centuries, which sparked interest in its skin-friendly properties. Modern cosmetic labs picked up on this folk use and began adding the extract to formulas that aim to protect skin from daily stress.

You will most often see Sideritis Raeseri Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract in facial moisturizers, lightweight antioxidant serums, eye creams, after-sun gels and sheet masks where it supports overall skin vitality.

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

This plant extract mainly serves one well-defined role in skincare.

As an antioxidant it helps neutralize free radicals generated by UV light, pollution and normal cell activity. By reducing this oxidative stress, the extract supports a brighter, healthier-looking complexion and may help slow the visible signs of premature aging when used regularly.

Who Can Use Sideritis Raeseri Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

This extract is gentle enough for dry, normal, combination and oily skin. Its lightweight water-based composition will not clog pores so even acne-prone skin can usually tolerate it. Sensitive skin types often do well too because the ingredient is not known to contain harsh acids or fragrances.

Because Sideritis Raeseri Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract is derived entirely from a plant, with no animal by-products involved in standard production, it is suitable for both vegans and vegetarians.

No specific warnings exist for pregnant or breastfeeding women using this ingredient topically, yet personal circumstances differ. This is not medical advice so anyone who is pregnant or nursing should show the product to a physician before adding it to a routine.

The extract does not increase photosensitivity so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. Standard daytime sun protection is still recommended to guard against general UV damage.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Responses to Sideritis Raeseri Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract vary from person to person. The issues listed below are possible rather than probable and most users will experience none of them when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.

  • Redness or mild irritation in very sensitive skin
  • Itching or stinging if applied to broken or compromised skin
  • Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals allergic to Lamiaceae family plants
  • Interaction irritation when layered immediately with high strength exfoliating acids or retinoids

If any of these effects occur stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0 / 5. Sideritis Raeseri Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract is a water soluble botanical rich in small antioxidant molecules rather than heavy oils or waxes that could block pores. It absorbs quickly, leaves no greasy film and contains no known pore clogging agents, so it earns the lowest possible score.

With a rating of 0 this ingredient is generally considered safe for skin that is prone to acne or breakouts.

As with any plant extract the final product’s overall comedogenicity also depends on the other ingredients in the formula, especially emollients and occlusives that may be paired with it.

Summary

Sideritis Raeseri Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract delivers one key benefit: antioxidant protection. The flavonoids and phenolic acids it contains mop up free radicals produced by UV exposure, pollution and normal metabolic activity, helping skin look brighter and feel resilient.

Although Greek mountain tea has a long history as an herbal beverage it is still a niche player in skincare, appearing most often in indie or wellness inspired lines rather than mass market launches. Interest is growing as consumers look for gentle plant based antioxidants.

Topical use is considered low risk because the extract is non comedogenic, free of common sensitizers and usually well tolerated by all skin types. Still, individual sensitivities vary so it is wise to patch test any new product that features this ingredient before applying it over larger areas.

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