What Is Lamium Album Extract?
Lamium Album Extract is a plant-derived ingredient obtained from the whole white nettle plant, Lamium album L., a member of the mint family. The aerial parts are rich in naturally occurring tannins, flavonoids, iridoids and a light essential oil that carries the plant’s fresh green scent. White nettle has been used in European folk preparations for centuries, mainly for its skin-tightening and soothing touch, which eventually drew the attention of modern cosmetic formulators. To create the extract, freshly harvested or carefully dried plants are macerated in a food-grade solvent such as ethanol, glycerin or a water-alcohol mix. The liquid portion is then filtered and concentrated, leaving a stable solution packed with the plant’s active molecules.
In today’s beauty products you will most often spot Lamium Album Extract in clarifying toners, pore-refining masks, lightweight moisturizers, after-shave balms, scalp tonics and deodorant sprays where a subtle herbal scent and a gentle tightening effect are desired.
Lamium Album Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This botanical contributes two key functions that enhance both the performance and sensory profile of a formula:
- Astringent: The tannins in white nettle provide a mild tightening sensation that can help reduce the look of enlarged pores, curb excess surface oil and leave skin feeling refreshed and smooth.
- Fragrance: Its delicate herbal aroma offers a clean green note that can either support a natural-scented product or reduce the need for synthetic fragrance additives.
Who Can Use Lamium Album Extract
White nettle extract is generally well-tolerated and fits most skin types, from oily and combination to normal and mildly dry. Its gentle astringent action helps balance surface oil without stripping moisture, making it a handy choice for those prone to visible pores or mid-day shine. Very dry or sensitized skin may find the tightening feel slightly uncomfortable if the formula is high in alcohol, so checking the overall product composition is wise.
The extract is plant derived with no animal inputs, so it is suitable for both vegetarians and vegans.
Current data show no specific concerns for topical use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. That said, this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run their skincare routine past a qualified health professional to be safe.
Lamium Album Extract is not known to increase photosensitivity. Standard daytime sun protection habits still apply when using any skincare product.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Lamium Album Extract vary from person to person. The points below list potential side effects that are possible yet unlikely for most users when the ingredient has been correctly incorporated into a finished product.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or stinging, particularly in very sensitive skin
- Dry or tight feel if the surrounding formula contains a high level of alcohol
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals already allergic to plants in the mint family
If any of these effects occur discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
Lamium Album Extract is largely water soluble and contains minimal oil, so it leaves no heavy residue that could block pores. Its mild tannins and light essential oil evaporate or rinse away easily, keeping the chance of congestion very low.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.
If the extract appears in a formula packed with rich butters or waxes the overall product could still feel heavy, so always scan the full ingredient list.
Summary
White nettle extract supplies a gentle tightening effect that freshens the skin and a clean herbal scent that can cut back on synthetic fragrance. Tannins handle the astringent role while trace volatiles give the aroma.
It is not as mainstream as aloe, chamomile or green tea yet it turns up in toners, scalp lotions and lightweight moisturizers made by brands that prize lesser-known botanicals.
Overall safety is good with only occasional sensitivity reported. Still, giving any new product a quick patch test is the simplest way to make sure it plays well with your skin.