Hypochoeris Radicata 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 27, 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 Hypochoeris Radicata Flower Extract?

Hypochoeris Radicata Flower Extract comes from the yellow blooms of Hypochoeris radicata, a plant in the daisy family often called cat’s ear or flatweed. The flowers are rich in naturally occurring flavonoids and phenolic acids that give them soothing and antioxidant properties valued in skincare. Folk traditions used the plant for calming irritated skin long before modern labs took notice. Today suppliers harvest the blossoms, dry them then immerse them in a food grade solvent such as glycerin or ethanol to draw out the active compounds. The liquid is filtered, concentrated and standardized to ensure consistent quality before it is added to cosmetic formulas. You will most often see this extract in moisturizers, leave on masks, anti aging serums, after sun lotions and products aimed at sensitive or stressed skin.

Hypochoeris Radicata Flower Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

In beauty products this botanical is valued for one main role.

Skin conditioning: The flower extract helps the formula keep skin soft smooth and comfortable. Its plant sugars draw water into the surface layers for light hydration while flavonoids provide an antioxidant shield that can reduce the look of redness linked to everyday stressors. Regular use supports a healthy skin barrier so the complexion feels balanced and looks more supple.

Who Can Use Hypochoeris Radicata Flower Extract

This flower extract is considered gentle enough for most skin types including dry, normal, combination and oily skin. Its lightweight hydrating action and low oil content make it a friendly option even for breakout-prone complexions. People with very reactive or allergy-prone skin generally tolerate it well thanks to its soothing plant compounds, though anyone with a known sensitivity to plants in the daisy family should exercise caution because of possible cross-reactivity.

The ingredient is entirely plant derived and typically processed in vegan-friendly solvents such as glycerin or ethanol sourced from plants, so it suits both vegetarians and vegans.

Current research shows no specific issues for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the extract is used topically in cosmetic amounts. This is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should discuss any new skincare product with a qualified healthcare provider to be safe.

Hypochoeris Radicata Flower Extract is not known to cause photosensitivity, so you can use it during the day without an elevated risk of sun-related irritation. As with any skincare ingredient, pair daytime use with a broad-spectrum sunscreen for overall skin health.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Side effects from topical Hypochoeris Radicata Flower Extract vary from person to person. The points below outline potential reactions only and most users will not experience them when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.

  • Mild redness or stinging
  • Itching or localized rash in individuals allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family
  • Contact dermatitis triggered by fragrance compounds naturally present in the extract
  • Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes

If you notice any of these reactions stop using the product immediately and seek advice from a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0 / 5

Hypochoeris Radicata Flower Extract contains mostly water soluble flavonoids, sugars and phenolic acids with virtually no heavy oils or waxes that could clog pores. It is usually delivered in lightweight carriers like glycerin or alcohol which further reduces any pore blocking risk. Because of this, it is considered non-comedogenic and is generally suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin. No studies or user reports link this extract to increased comedones or blackheads.

Formulators sometimes combine the extract with richer emollients, so if you are very blemish sensitive check the whole ingredient list, not just the presence of this botanical.

Summary

Hypochoeris Radicata Flower Extract is a plant based skin conditioner that hydrates the surface layers, supplies antioxidants and helps calm visible redness. It works through its natural sugars that attract water and its flavonoids and phenolic acids that defend against everyday oxidative stress so skin feels soft and looks more balanced.

The extract is still a niche ingredient compared with big names like chamomile or green tea, but its gentle profile has been gaining quiet attention in moisturizers and soothing serums aimed at sensitive skin.

Overall safety is high with few documented adverse reactions, limited mainly to those allergic to the daisy family. As with any new skincare product it is wise to perform a small patch test first to confirm personal compatibility.

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