What Is Myriophyllum Spicatum Extract?
Myriophyllum Spicatum Extract comes from the whole Eurasian watermilfoil plant, a freshwater herb that grows in slow moving lakes and ponds. The plant is rich in natural compounds such as flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids, polysaccharides and trace minerals, all of which lend themselves to skin care.
Although watermilfoil has long been known to gardeners and anglers, interest in its skin friendly profile only took off in the last couple of decades when researchers began screening aquatic plants for gentle soothing agents. Labs found that watermilfoil’s mix of antioxidants and calming molecules could help condition skin, so formulators started adding its extract to modern beauty products.
The extract is made by harvesting the entire plant, cleaning and drying it, then steeping it in a solvent like water, glycerin or a mild alcohol to pull out the active compounds. The liquid is filtered and concentrated, giving a clear to light brown solution that slips easily into formulas.
You will most often see Myriophyllum Spicatum Extract in toners, serums and masks aimed at hydration and comfort, as well as in lightweight moisturizers and after sun gels that target redness or tightness.
Myriophyllum Spicatum Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In cosmetics this ingredient is valued for its single main role: skin conditioning. By delivering a blend of mild antioxidants and soothing plant sugars, the extract helps soften the skin surface, supports a healthy moisture balance and leaves the complexion feeling calm and refreshed.
Who Can Use Myriophyllum Spicatum Extract
This plant derived extract tends to play well with every major skin type. Dry and sensitive skin often appreciate its light soothing touch, while normal and combination skin enjoy the added hydration without heaviness. Oily or acne-prone skin can also use it because the ingredient is water based, non-greasy and not known to clog pores. At present there are no specific skin types that should avoid it, unless a person knows they have an individual allergy to watermilfoil or related aquatic plants.
Because it is sourced entirely from a freshwater herb and involves no animal by-products during processing, Myriophyllum Spicatum Extract is suitable for both vegetarians and vegans.
Current research has not flagged any special concerns for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when using the extract topically. Even so, this does not constitute medical advice; anyone who is expecting or nursing should check with a healthcare professional before adding new skincare products, just to be safe.
The extract does not contain ingredients known to increase photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. Standard daytime sun protection habits still apply.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Myriophyllum Spicatum Extract vary from person to person. The effects listed below are only potential outcomes and are unlikely for most users when the ingredient is correctly formulated and used as intended.
- Mild redness or stinging in people with extremely sensitive or compromised skin barriers
- Contact dermatitis in individuals allergic to the plant or related species
- Eye irritation if a product containing a high concentration of the extract gets into the eyes
If any of these effects occur, discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0/5. Myriophyllum Spicatum Extract is water based and contains virtually no oils or heavy waxes that could block pores, so it earns the lowest possible score. This makes it friendly for those who are prone to acne or breakouts. As with any ingredient, the overall formula also influences pore clogging potential, so look at the full product label if congestion is a concern.
Summary
Myriophyllum Spicatum Extract is used mainly for skin conditioning. Its mix of mild antioxidants, soothing tannins, plant sugars and trace minerals helps calm surface redness, support moisture balance and leave skin feeling soft and refreshed.
You will not find this extract in every aisle the way you see aloe or green tea, but its quiet rise in toners, serums and after sun gels shows growing interest from formulators who want gentle water plant actives.
Topical use is considered low risk for most people thanks to its non-irritating profile and lack of photosensitizers. Still, everyone’s skin is different, so it is smart to patch test any new product that features the extract before making it a regular part of your routine.