Artemisia Herba-Alba Flower 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
Share:
Inside this article:

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 Herba-Alba Flower Extract?

Artemisia Herba-Alba Flower Extract comes from the small white flowers of Artemisia herba-alba, a hardy shrub in the daisy family that grows across dry regions of the Mediterranean and the Middle East. The plant is rich in natural oils, flavonoids and small amounts of organic acids, all of which can soothe and soften skin. For centuries local communities steeped the flowers in oil or water for folk beauty rituals, and modern formulators took note of its calming feel and pleasant herbal scent.

The extract is usually produced by soaking freshly harvested or carefully dried flowers in a mix of water and gentle solvents. The liquid is then filtered and concentrated to keep the helpful compounds while removing plant solids. Because this method is mild the final extract pairs well with many other skincare ingredients.

You will most often spot Artemisia Herba-Alba Flower Extract in moisturizers, hydrating toners, sheet and wash-off masks, lightweight serums and after-sun gels. It is popular in soothing or barrier-support ranges aimed at skin that feels tight or looks dull.

Artemisia Herba-Alba Flower Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

The main role of Artemisia Herba-Alba Flower Extract in cosmetics is skin conditioning. It helps the skin feel softer and smoother, adds a touch of hydration and can support a healthy-looking surface over time.

Who Can Use Artemisia Herba-Alba Flower Extract

This flower extract is gentle enough for most skin types. Dry or sensitive skin tends to appreciate its light soothing feel while normal and combination skin can enjoy the softening boost without heaviness. Oily and acne-prone skin usually tolerate it well because the extract has a water-based nature and does not add extra oil. There are no known reasons it would be unsuitable for any specific skin type unless a person has a personal allergy to plants in the daisy family.

Because it is derived from a plant and no animal-derived additives are needed during extraction, products using Artemisia Herba-Alba Flower Extract are typically suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Always check the full ingredient list to be certain other animal ingredients have not been added to the final formula.

Current data shows no direct concerns for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the extract is used on the skin. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run any skincare product past a doctor to be on the safe side.

The extract does not make skin more sensitive to the sun so it is not considered photosensitising. Routine daytime sun protection is still important for overall skin health.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Side effects or reactions to the topical use of Artemisia Herba-Alba Flower Extract can vary from person to person. The points below list potential issues but they are uncommon when the ingredient has been properly formulated and used as directed.

  • Allergic contact dermatitis – anyone with a known allergy to plants in the Asteraceae family could experience redness or itching
  • Minor stinging on very broken or freshly exfoliated skin – usually subsides quickly once the skin barrier calms
  • Eye irritation if the product gets into the eyes – may cause watering or discomfort until rinsed out
  • Fragrance sensitivity – the herb-like scent, though mild, could bother users who are highly sensitive to natural aromas

If you notice any of these reactions stop use and seek advice from a healthcare professional or dermatologist.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0 / 5

This flower extract is water soluble and contains minimal lipids so it does not leave an occlusive film that could trap dead cells or sebum in pores. Because it is virtually oil free it is very unlikely to provoke whiteheads or blackheads on its own.

That makes Artemisia Herba-Alba Flower Extract a safe pick for skin that is prone to acne or breakouts. If the final product also includes rich butters or heavy oils, the overall formula could still feel pore clogging, so always consider the full ingredient list.

Summary

Artemisia Herba-Alba Flower Extract is used mainly for skin conditioning. Its mix of mild natural oils, flavonoids and organic acids helps soften, lightly hydrate and calm the skin surface, supporting a healthier look over time. Although not as famous as green tea or chamomile it is gaining steady popularity in soothing serums and masks, especially in formulas aimed at dry or sensitive complexions.

Topical use is generally considered very safe with rare reports of irritation, mostly in people allergic to the daisy family. No comedogenicity, phototoxicity or reproductive health concerns are linked to normal cosmetic levels. As with any new skincare product, patch test first to ensure personal compatibility.

Was this article helpful?
More from Glooshi:
ADVERTISEMENT
Get all our top headlines in beauty.
Delivered right to your inbox each week. Zero spam, all goodness, opt-out at anytime.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Get the latest beauty news, top product recommendations & brand-exclusive discount codes direct to your inbox.
Send good feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Send bad feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Search