Iresine Weberbaueri 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 30, 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 Iresine Weberbaueri Flower Extract?

Iresine Weberbaueri Flower Extract comes from the blooms of Iresine weberbaueri, a flowering plant in the amaranth family that grows in the Andean regions of South America. The petals carry natural sugars, lightweight proteins and plant compounds such as flavonoids that can help soften and smooth hair. Local communities have long valued the plant for its vivid color and gentle feel, and those traits sparked interest from modern formulators looking for new botanical ingredients.

To make the extract, freshly picked flowers are cleaned, air-dried then soaked in a mix of water and safe cosmetic solvents like glycerin or propylene glycol. The liquid pulls the helpful molecules out of the plant tissue. After steeping, the solution is filtered and carefully concentrated so it can be added to products without losing its mild scent or natural benefits.

Today you will most often see Iresine Weberbaueri Flower Extract in shampoos, rinse-out and leave-in conditioners, hair masks and lightweight styling creams. Brands choose it when they want to give hair a silky afterfeel while keeping formulas plant based and gentle.

Iresine Weberbaueri Flower Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

The main role of this ingredient in cosmetics is hair conditioning. When blended into a formula it coats the hair shaft with a thin plant-derived film that makes strands feel smoother, easier to detangle and less prone to breakage. This effect can boost shine and help hair look healthier without weighing it down.

Who Can Use Iresine Weberbaueri Flower Extract

This flower extract is mild enough for all hair and scalp types, including dry, oily and sensitive. Because it is plant derived and free of animal by-products it fits vegan and vegetarian lifestyles.

There are no known ingredients in the extract that pose a special risk to pregnant or breastfeeding women when used topically in rinse-off or leave-in hair products. That said this is not medical advice, and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should check with a healthcare professional before adding new cosmetics to their routine just to be safe.

The extract does not increase photosensitivity so users do not need to adjust their sun protection habits when using products that contain it.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Reactions to topically applied Iresine Weberbaueri Flower Extract differ from person to person. The effects listed below are only potential issues and are unlikely to occur for most people when the ingredient is properly formulated and preserved.

  • Mild scalp irritation such as itching or redness
  • Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to amaranth family plants
  • Eye stinging if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
  • Rare fragrance sensitivity if aromatic compounds are present from the plant material

If any discomfort or visible reaction occurs stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0–1

Iresine Weberbaueri Flower Extract is mostly made up of water soluble sugars, light proteins and small amounts of plant flavonoids that do not clog pores. It lacks heavy oils or waxes that usually drive comedogenicity, so the chance of it blocking facial or scalp pores is very low.

Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin and scalp.

The only caveat is that finished formulas may pair the extract with richer emollients, so always check the full ingredient list if congestion is a concern.

Summary

Iresine Weberbaueri Flower Extract is a gentle plant based hair conditioner that smooths the cuticle, helps reduce tangles and adds a soft feel by laying down a thin film of natural sugars and proteins on each strand. It is still a niche ingredient, showing up mainly in eco-focused shampoos, conditioners and leave-ins rather than in mass market lines, but interest is slowly growing due to the push for botanical alternatives.

Safety data shows it is low risk for most users when applied topically, with only rare irritation or allergy reports. Even so, skin and scalp can react differently from person to person, so it is wise to patch test any new product that contains this extract before full use.

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