Are there any contraindications regarding the use of lemon verbena on the skin?

Thelemon verbena hydrosol (INCI: Lippia Citriodora Leaf Water) is obtained through hydrodistillation of the plant's flowers. It presents itself as a colourless liquid, with a characteristic lemony scent. Lemon verbena floral water is found in numerous skin and hair care products due to its various virtues.

• Antioxidant properties.

  UV rays, pollution, stress... these are all factors that contribute to the production of free radicals. Once generated, these attack DNA and cells, promoting skin ageing, skin dullness, and the appearance of white hair. Lemon verbena hydrosol, being an ingredient rich in antioxidants, its topical application aids the skin and scalp in eliminating them.

• Anti-inflammatory effects.

  Lemon verbena hydrosol can be utilised to alleviate redness or itching, on the skin or the scalp. It contains several molecules with anti-inflammatory properties, such as geranial, capable of inhibiting the activity of NLRP3, an inflammasome complex that triggers the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Thus, lemon verbena floral water has a soothing effect on mild discomfort.

• Antimicrobial activity.

  The hydrosol of lemon verbena has the ability to inhibit the capacity of certain bacteria to communicate with each other via molecular mediators (quorum sensing). Among these bacteria, we find Cutibacterium acnes, which is partly responsible for acne. Thus, the floral water of lemon verbena is highly appreciated by individuals prone to blemishes.

• "Purifying" properties?

  It is sometimes suggested that lemon verbena hydrosol has the ability to reduce the overproduction of sebum by the sebaceous glands, which is responsible for shiny skin and greasy hair, due to the linalool it contains. However, no scientific study on this botanical extract has so far been able to demonstrate this property. Furthermore, the concentration of linalool in lemon verbena floral water is very low (≈ 1%) and may be insufficient to induce such an effect.

• A tightening effect and anti-stretch mark?

  Some sources suggest that lemon verbena hydrosol may have effects on purple stretch marks and skin sagging. However, to date, no scientific study has demonstrated that the topical application of lemon verbena hydrosol has any impact on these issues.