Urtica Dioica Juice: 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 Urtica Dioica Juice?

Urtica Dioica Juice is the fresh, green liquid squeezed from every part of the common stinging nettle plant. Though nettle is best known for its prickly leaves, once juiced it becomes a gentle plant extract packed with natural sugars, minerals like calcium and magnesium, and small amounts of vitamins A and C. People have used nettle in folk skin care for centuries because it was easy to find and left skin feeling soft. Modern cosmetic labs began adding its juice to formulas in the late 20th century after studies showed it helps keep skin feeling comfortable and hydrated. To make the juice, harvested nettle plants are washed, crushed and pressed, then the liquid is filtered to remove fibers. You will spot Urtica Dioica Juice in a range of products including lightweight moisturizers, soothing face masks, scalp tonics, after-sun gels and anti-aging serums where a touch of plant-based hydration is wanted.

Urtica Dioica Juice’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

In skin care formulas Urtica Dioica Juice serves one main purpose: skin conditioning. It helps skin stay soft, smooth and supple by adding a mild dose of moisture and nutrients. When used regularly it can support a healthy looking surface, making the product feel more comforting and easier to spread while giving skin a refreshed look.

Who Can Use Urtica Dioica Juice

Because it is a light plant juice that focuses on conditioning rather than active exfoliation or strong oil control, Urtica Dioica Juice is generally suitable for all skin types including dry, normal, combination, oily and sensitive skin. Its low oil content means it does not clog pores, while its mild mineral and vitamin profile gives dry or mature skin a gentle hydration boost. Very reactive skin may still prefer a simple formula that contains few botanicals but nettle juice itself is not known to trigger flare-ups in most users.

The ingredient is completely plant derived so it fits vegan and vegetarian lifestyles with no animal by-products or animal testing required for its production.

Expectant or breastfeeding women can usually use products containing Urtica Dioica Juice because it stays on the outer layers of skin rather than entering the bloodstream. This is general information, not medical advice, and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should have their healthcare provider review any new skin care routine.

Urtica Dioica Juice does not increase photosensitivity so there is no special sunlight caution beyond daily sunscreen use that dermatologists already recommend.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Side effects from topical Urtica Dioica Juice differ from person to person. The following points outline potential reactions yet most people will not experience them when the ingredient is properly formulated and used as directed.

  • Mild stinging or tingling sensation immediately after application
  • Temporary redness or warmth, especially on very sensitive skin
  • Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals already allergic to nettle or related plants
  • Itching or small hives if the product also contains other irritants that compound the reaction
  • Eye irritation if the juice or product accidentally gets into the eyes

If any of these effects occur stop using the product and speak with a healthcare professional for guidance.

Comedogenic Rating

Comedogenic rating: 0/5. Urtica Dioica Juice is almost entirely water with trace nutrients and almost no oil, so it does not sit on the surface or trap debris in pores.

This means the ingredient is generally friendly for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.

Do keep an eye on the rest of the formula because richer oils, silicones or waxes in the same product could still cause congestion even though the nettle juice itself will not.

Summary

Urtica Dioica Juice serves mainly as a skin conditioner, delivering light moisture plus small amounts of minerals and vitamins that leave skin feeling soft, smooth and refreshed. It supports the skin’s water balance and makes lotions or gels spread more easily.

The ingredient is not a headline grabber like retinol or peptides yet it keeps a steady presence in calming moisturizers, scalp tonics and after-sun products because it is gentle, plant based and easy to add to formulas.

Safety profiles are strong with few reported issues. Still, everyone’s skin is different so a quick patch test is the smart way to confirm compatibility before applying any new product all over the face or body.

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