Antioxidant

Achillea Millefolium Flower Extract

INCI: ACHILLEA MILLEFOLIUM FLOWER EXTRACT

Also known as: Achillea Millefolium Flower Extract

A botanical extract with antioxidant and hydrating properties derived from yarrow

At a glance

Antioxidant

Best For Skin Types

All

Addresses

Environmental damage, Dryness, Sensitivity

Effective Concentrations

0.5-10%

Usage Frequency

Daily

What Is Achillea Millefolium Flower Extract?

Achillea millefolium flower extract is derived from yarrow, a flowering plant traditionally used in herbal preparations. The extract contains several active compounds including flavonoids, sesquiterpene lactones, and coumarins, which contribute to its skincare function.

In cosmetic formulations, this ingredient serves primarily as an antioxidant and humectant. Humectants work by drawing moisture into the skin, whilst antioxidants help protect against free radical damage from environmental stressors.

Benefits for Your Skin

How It Works

The flavonoids and other polyphenolic compounds in yarrow extract possess antioxidant properties, meaning they can donate electrons to unstable free radical molecules and render them harmless. This helps reduce oxidative stress within the skin.

As a humectant, the extract attracts water molecules from the environment and deeper skin layers, binding them to the stratum corneum to improve skin hydration and feel.

Clinical Evidence & References

Limited clinical evidence exists specifically for Achillea millefolium flower extract in skincare. The ingredient has been used historically in cosmetic formulations and is generally recognised for antioxidant and conditioning properties, though robust human studies demonstrating efficacy are scarce.

Safety assessments have identified various constituents within the plant extract (including certain volatile oils and coumarins) that warrant consideration in formulation. When used at typical cosmetic concentrations, the ingredient is considered acceptable, though formulators are advised to be mindful of total concentrations of potentially reactive components in multi-botanical products.

How to Use

Yarrow extract is most commonly found in serums, toners, and moisturisers rather than leave-on treatments requiring high concentrations. It works well alongside other antioxidants and hydrating ingredients. Since this is typically a supporting ingredient rather than a primary active, you need not adjust your routine around it—simply use your product as directed.

Safety & Precautions

Achillea millefolium extract is generally well-tolerated in cosmetic use. However, individuals with known sensitivities to plants in the Asteraceae family (such as chamomile or ragweed) should be cautious, as cross-reactivity is possible.

Regulatory information

Standardised cosmetic-ingredient identifiers used by regulators.

Show identifiers
INCI Name
ACHILLEA MILLEFOLIUM FLOWER EXTRACT
EC Number
282-030-6
Function
Antioxidant, Humectant

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