Hedera Helix Extract
Also known as: Ivy Extract, English Ivy Extract, Hedera helix
Commonly known as English ivy extract
EWG Safety Score
What Is Hedera Helix Extract?
Hedera helix, commonly known as English ivy, is a climbing vine-type plant native to Western Asia and most parts of Europe.\n\nResearch shows that – as with most plant extracts – English ivy extract is a source of antioxidants. In addition, studies demonstrate this extract (particularly those from the plant’s leaves) contains flavonoids including quercetin, and phytosterols including skin-conditioning cholesterol.\n\nThe other side of that coin, however, is that English ivy extract also has a high amount of a compound called falcarinol, which has extensive evidence showing it causes allergic reactions on skin, even sometimes mimicking a poison ivy reaction.\n\nThough it’s possible this compound can be removed from English ivy extract, there is research showing adverse reactions to cosmetics containing Hedera helix, so it’s difficult to know exactly what you’re getting when you see Hedera helix extract listed on a label. For this reason, we advise avoiding products containing it, as it is more likely to harm skin than help it. Plus, there are hundreds of other natural extracts that help skin without posing a risk of irritation.
Benefits for Your Skin
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
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Farmacia, January 2017, pages 624-629 Farmacia, 2017
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Meyler’s Side Effects of Drugs: The International Encyclopedia of Adverse Drug Reactions and Interactions: Sixteenth Edition, 2016, Editor in Chief J.K. Aronson, page 668 Meyler’s Side Effects of Drugs: The International Encyclopedia of Adverse Drug Reactions and Interactions: Sixteenth Edition, 2016
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Contact Dermatitis, April 2015, pages 193-205 Contact Dermatitis, 2015
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Contact Dermatitis, July 1987, pages 1-9 Contact Dermatitis, 1987
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Hautzart, October 2003, pages 966-969 Hautzart, 2003
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