Herbal extracts are plant-based products with physical or chemical methods to selectively separate their active ingredients. They fully maintain the structure and activity of plant bioactive constituents and have become an essential raw material in cosmetics, health foods, and other sectors. As natural ingredient use becomes more and more popular, the application of plant extracts in skincare is flourishing. Below are ten plant extracts with excellent skincare functions:
| Herbal Extract | Main effects |
| Centella Asiatica | Moisturizing, anti-oxidation, whitening, soothing, repairing |
| Glabridin | Moisturizing, whitening, soothing |
| Portulaca Oleracea | Moisturizing, Anti-oxidation, Anti-aging |
| Butyrospermum Parkii Fruit | Moisturizing, anti-aging |
| Jojoba Seed Oil | Moisturizing |
| Tea Extract | Moisturizing, anti-oxidation, astringent, anti-freckle and whitening, anti-aging |
| Arbutin | Anti-oxidation, whitening, anti-aging |
| Glycyrrhiza Glabra | Anti-oxidation, whitening and anti-freckle, soothing |
| Witch Hazel | Antioxidant, oil control, astringent, soothing, acne treatment |
| Aloe Vera Extract | Moisturizing, Antioxidant |
1. Centella Asiatica Extract
The active components of Centella Asiatica extract include Asiaticoside, Asiatic acid, Madecassic acid, and Madecassoside. This extract, also known as the “herbal repair specialist,” is full of active components like asiatic acid, which has great antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can easily treat acne. Its repairing function strengthens the barrier of the skin, ideal for after-sun repair and treatments for sensitive skin. It also stimulates collagen development, easing wrinkles and maintaining skin elasticity.
2. Glabridin (Licorice Root Extract)
Admired as “brightening gold,” licorice root extract contains glabridin, a potent inhibitor of tyrosinase activity for superior whitening efficacy. Its anti-inflammatory property is also capable of soothing skin irritation and is thus suitable for sensitive skin.
3. Portulaca Oleracea Extract
This “natural antioxidant” is an alkaloid and flavonoid-filled extract that provides broad-spectrum antibacterial protection against skin inflammation. Its high free-radical-scavenging ability makes it a better anti-aging ingredient, while its superior moisturizing property improves hydration.
4. Butyrospermum Parkii Fruit
Called the “king of natural moisturizers,” shea butter contains a wealth of lipids such as human sebum. With 9%-13% unsaponifiable content, it has excellent reparative action, protecting against UV damage, promoting cell regeneration, and slowing down skin aging.
5. Jojoba Seed Oil
This “liquid gold” is of better stability and permeability. Its molecular structure is similar to human sebum, making it lubricate the skin and provide long-term hydration. Its heat stability makes it a good base oil for most skincare products.
6. Camellia Sinensis (Tea) Extract
Tea polyphenols are free-radical-neutralizing antioxidants much stronger than vitamins C and E. They block melanin, shrink pores, and firm skin. Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects are also highly valued.
7. Arbutin
This “natural brightening factor” reduces skin darkness by blocking the action of tyrosinase. It also has antioxidant effects that revive damaged skin. Concentrations should be kept below 3% to avoid irritation, though.
8. Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
The flavonoids in licorice stimulate collagen production and cell proliferation. It has visible brightening effects with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity, making it a prestige ingredient for anti-aging products.
9. Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract
This “natural astringent” controls sebum well and shrinks pores. It contains soothing ingredients that calm irritated skin, and its UV barrier makes it a leader in anti-aging ingredients.
10. Aloe Vera Extract
The “total skincare expert,” aloe vera stimulates collagen production and reduces free radicals. It regulates sebum level to improve oily skin and possesses excellent moisturizing and anti-inflammatory activities.
Conclusion
Each of these plant extracts contains unique advantages, presenting numerous natural options for skincare formulations. Due to improved extraction technology, applications of plant-active ingredients will continue to increase, offering more high-quality, natural, and safe skincare solutions to consumers.
Stanford Chemicals offers natural, secure, and highly efficient plant-derived active ingredients. For bulk purchasing or for custom-designed requirements, our expert staff provides complete technical assistance as well as after-purchase support.