What Is Epilobium Fleischeri Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract?
Epilobium Fleischeri Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract comes from Epilobium fleischeri, a small alpine willow herb that grows on rocky slopes across Europe’s higher altitudes. The entire aerial part of the plant—flowers, leaves and stems—is harvested because they all carry similar bioactive molecules. These parts are rich in polyphenols such as oenothein B along with flavonoids and tannins, compounds known for their soothing and antioxidant properties.
The plant has long been used in traditional skin applications in mountain regions where it grows naturally. Modern formulators took notice when studies confirmed its calming effect on skin prone to redness. Cosmetic laboratories began standardizing the extract in the early 2000s, allowing it to appear in commercial skin care.
Manufacturing typically involves drying the plant material then running it through a gentle water or glycerin-water extraction. The liquid is filtered, concentrated and sometimes spray-dried into a powder for easy dosing in creams, gels or serums.
You will most often find Epilobium Fleischeri Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract in products aimed at balancing oil and calming visible irritation: lightweight moisturizers, anti-aging serums, after-sun gels, sheet masks and leave-on treatments designed for sensitive or combination skin.
Epilobium Fleischeri Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators add this alpine plant extract for one main reason that matters to skin comfort and appearance.
As a skin-conditioning agent Epilobium Fleischeri Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract helps soften and smooth the skin surface while supporting a healthy moisture balance. Its natural polyphenols can reduce the look of temporary redness and help neutralize free radicals generated by everyday environmental stress. The result is skin that feels calmer, looks more even and maintains a supple texture.
Who Can Use Epilobium Fleischeri Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
This botanical extract is generally well tolerated across all skin types. Oily and combination skin often benefit from its balancing effect on sebum while sensitive or redness-prone complexions value its soothing properties. Dry skin can use it too, usually when the formula pairs the extract with richer emollients. Only individuals with a known allergy to willow herb or other members of the Onagraceae family might need to avoid it.
Because it is 100% plant derived and requires no animal by-products during harvesting or processing, the ingredient aligns with vegan and vegetarian lifestyles.
No specific warnings exist for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Still, research on topical use during pregnancy is limited, so this is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should clear new skincare products with a healthcare professional.
The extract does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and has no reported photosensitizing action. It also plays nicely with most common skincare actives, showing no known incompatibilities.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Epilobium Fleischeri Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract can differ from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects, though most users will not encounter them when the ingredient is used correctly in a well-formulated product.
- Mild burning or stinging in very reactive or highly sensitised skin
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals allergic to willow herb or other plants in the Onagraceae family
- Temporary dryness or tightness if the formula contains a high level of the extract’s naturally astringent tannins
- Exacerbation of existing irritation when applied to skin with an impaired barrier or open wounds
If any adverse effect occurs, stop using the product immediately and seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Epilobium Fleischeri Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract is primarily delivered in water or glycerin bases and contains minimal lipids, so it does not readily clog pores. Its astringent polyphenols may even help reduce excess surface oil for some users. Because of this low oil content and its light molecular profile, the extract earns a near-non-comedogenic score of 1.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin in most cases.
Formulas that mix large amounts of heavy oils or waxes alongside the extract could raise a product’s overall pore-clogging potential, but the extract itself poses little risk.
Summary
Epilobium Fleischeri Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract is a skin-conditioning botanical that calms visible redness, provides antioxidant support and helps maintain a balanced moisture level. Polyphenols such as oenothein B and flavonoids soothe irritation while scavenging free radicals, and mild astringent tannins can leave skin feeling smoother and more refined.
The ingredient is gaining traction in clean beauty and sensitive-skin lines but is still less common than star botanicals like chamomile or green tea. When it appears, it is usually in lightweight creams, serums or after-sun treatments aimed at combination and sensitive skin types.
Safety data and user reports show a low rate of adverse reactions, making it a generally safe choice for daily use. As with any new skincare ingredient, it is wise to perform a quick patch test to confirm personal compatibility before full-face application.