What Is Agrimonia Pilosa Extract?
Agrimonia Pilosa Extract comes from the entire Agrimonia pilosa plant, a flowering herb in the rose family that grows widely across East Asia. For centuries the plant has been steeped in folk beauty rituals, where its leaves and stems were boiled into skin-soothing washes. Modern cosmetic labs pick up where tradition left off by harvesting the aerial parts at peak potency, then drying and soaking them in a mixture of water and gentle solvents. The resulting liquid is filtered, concentrated and sometimes spray-dried to form a powder that can be blended easily into creams and serums.
The extract contains natural sugars, flavonoids and a touch of tannins, a mix that helps skin hold on to moisture while lending a mild tightening feel. Because of these qualities, formulators often tuck Agrimonia Pilosa Extract into hydrating masks, lightweight moisturizers, soothing after-sun gels and anti-aging treatments that aim to smooth fine lines.
Agrimonia Pilosa Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This plant extract plays two key roles in skincare formulas
- Humectant – draws water from the environment and the deeper layers of the skin to the surface, giving a quick boost of hydration and helping the complexion look plumper and fresher
- Skin conditioning – softens and calms the skin’s surface, supports a comfortable feel after cleansing and can improve the overall texture of a product so it spreads smoothly
Who Can Use Agrimonia Pilosa Extract
The extract’s lightweight, water-binding nature suits most skin types, especially normal, combination and oily complexions that appreciate added hydration without heaviness. Dry or mature skin can also benefit, though it may need the support of richer emollients for long-lasting moisture. Sensitive skin generally tolerates the ingredient well thanks to its gentle profile, but anyone with a known allergy to plants in the rose family should be cautious.
Agrimonia Pilosa Extract is sourced entirely from a plant and processed without animal derivatives, so it aligns with vegan and vegetarian lifestyles.
Current research shows no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the extract is applied topically in standard cosmetic concentrations. Still, this is not medical advice: those who are expecting or nursing should show the full ingredient list of any product they plan to use to their doctor for personalized guidance.
The extract does not heighten sensitivity to sunlight, so it is not classed as photosensitizing. There are also no known interactions with common actives like retinoids or acids, making it easy to slot into most routines.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Agrimonia Pilosa Extract vary between individuals. The points below outline possible reactions, though most users experience none of these when the ingredient is formulated correctly.
- Mild redness or warmth shortly after application
- Temporary stinging on very compromised or freshly exfoliated skin
- Allergic contact dermatitis in those sensitive to Rosaceae plants
- Rare dryness or tightness due to the tannin content if used in high amounts
If any discomfort or unusual reaction occurs stop using the product and seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Agrimonia Pilosa Extract carries a comedogenic rating of 0–1. It is a water-based botanical with virtually no oils or waxes so it does not clog pores under normal use. The small amount of astringent tannins may even help pores feel cleaner. Because of this low score the extract is suitable for skin that is prone to acne or breakouts.
Keep in mind that the final pore impact depends on the whole formula. If the extract sits in a rich cream full of heavy butters the product could still feel greasy even though the extract itself is not.
Summary
Agrimonia Pilosa Extract acts as a humectant and skin conditioner. Its natural sugars pull in water to boost surface hydration and its flavonoids and light tannins leave skin feeling soft and refreshed. These actions make it useful in masks, gels and moisturizers that aim for lightweight lasting comfort.
The ingredient is not yet as popular as big names like hyaluronic acid but its gentle plant-based profile is earning quiet attention from formulators who want fresh alternatives.
Safety data show a low risk of irritation with only rare issues in people allergic to members of the rose family. Still, it is wise to do a quick patch test with any new product containing Agrimonia Pilosa Extract to be sure your skin responds well.