Impatiens Capensis 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
Share:
Inside this article:

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 Impatiens Capensis Extract?

Impatiens Capensis Extract comes from the whole jewelweed plant, Impatiens capensis, a member of the balsam family. The plant grows in North America, especially in shady damp areas, and has long been used in folk skincare for its soothing feel. Chemically the extract is rich in flavonoids, tannins and small amounts of essential oils, all of which help tighten and freshen the skin.

Beauty brands first became interested in jewelweed when customers looked for gentle plant based options to calm the skin after shaving or waxing. Labs soon confirmed its mild astringent action, and the extract found a place in modern formulas. To make it, fresh aerial parts are harvested, cleaned, then soaked in a mix of water and botanical solvents. The liquid is filtered and concentrated to keep the active plant compounds while removing most of the water.

You will see Impatiens Capensis Extract in toners, after shave lotions, sheet masks, calming serums, light moisturizers and some anti blemish spot treatments. Its ability to leave the skin feeling firm yet comfortable makes it a natural fit for products aimed at oily or combination skin.

Impatiens Capensis Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

In skincare formulas this plant extract works in a couple of key ways.

  • Astringent: Helps tighten the look of pores, reduces surface oil and gives skin a fresh matte finish. This can make a toner or lotion feel crisp without relying on harsh alcohols.
  • Skin Conditioning: Supports the skin barrier by adding a light layer of plant derived compounds that soften and smooth, leaving the surface feeling comfortable and balanced.

Who Can Use Impatiens Capensis Extract

Most skin types can benefit from this ingredient but it shines in routines for oily or combination skin where its gentle astringent action helps reduce the look of surface oil. Normal skin usually tolerates it well too. Very dry or eczema-prone skin may find frequent use a little tightening because the extract naturally reduces excess sebum, so pairing it with a richer moisturizer is advised in those cases.

Impatiens Capensis Extract is completely plant derived, with no animal by-products used in its sourcing or processing, which makes it suitable for both vegetarians and vegans.

There is no data suggesting the extract is unsafe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, yet research on topical herbal ingredients in these stages is always limited. This information is not medical advice; anyone who is pregnant or nursing should check with their doctor before adding a new skincare product.

The extract is not known to increase photosensitivity and does not react with sunlight, so daytime use is generally fine when combined with your regular sunscreen. It is also fragrance free by nature, which makes it a friendlier option for people who avoid added scent.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Responses to topical Impatiens Capensis Extract vary from person to person and the effects below are only potential outcomes. When used in a well-formulated product most people experience none of these issues.

  • Mild dryness or tightness especially if the product is applied several times a day or layered with other oil-reducing ingredients
  • Transient stinging or tingling on freshly shaved skin or open blemishes
  • Redness or irritation in very sensitive or eczema-prone individuals
  • Allergic contact dermatitis in users with a known sensitivity to balsam family plants
  • Enhanced irritation when combined with strong exfoliating acids or retinoids due to cumulative skin stress

If any of these reactions occur stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional or dermatologist.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1/5

Impatiens Capensis Extract is mostly composed of water soluble tannins and flavonoids with only trace lipids. Because it delivers a light astringent effect without leaving an oily film it is very unlikely to clog pores, earning it a low score of 1. Minor residues from whole-plant extraction could in theory trap debris if the surrounding formula is heavy, but on its own the extract poses minimal risk of congestion. Overall it is considered safe for those prone to acne or breakouts.

Keep in mind that a product’s full ingredient list still matters; if the formula also contains rich butters or waxes the overall comedogenic potential can rise.

Summary

Impatiens Capensis Extract serves two main roles in cosmetics: it works as a mild astringent that temporarily tightens the look of pores and curbs surface oil, and it conditions skin by depositing gentle plant compounds that leave it feeling smooth and balanced. Tannins give the tightening effect while flavonoids and other phytonutrients support the skin barrier and provide a soothing finish.

Although not a headline ingredient like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide, jewelweed extract has carved out a quiet niche in toners, aftershaves and lightweight moisturizers aimed at oily or combination skin. Formulators appreciate its ability to refresh without alcohol and consumers like its simple plant origin.

Safety data and decades of folk use show very low risk for most users, with irritation mainly limited to those sensitive to balsam family plants. As with any new skincare product it is wise to perform a small patch test to confirm 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