Commonly known as: Nettle, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Leaf Extract, stinging nettle, common nettle, great nettle, dioecious nettle.
Botanical name: Urtica dioica L.
Extraction process: Maceration of nettle leaves sourced from organic farming in an extraction solvent (water + glycerine) at room temperature.
Family: Urticaceae.
Extracted part of the plant: Aerial parts (leaves).
Cultivation area, origin: Originally from Eurasia but now found worldwide, particularly in temperate regions (countries of the northern hemisphere, southern Africa, Australia).
Blooming: From June to September/October.
Origin, provenance:
Phytochemical composition: Carbohydrates (saccharides); vitamins (B and C); phenolic compounds (phenolic acid, tannins, flavonoids, coumarins); terpenoids (carotenoids); mineral substances (iron, potassium, silicon, etc.); organic acids; proteins.
Sensory properties: Appearance: Clear liquid; Colour: Yellow to green-brown; Odour: Characteristic, vegetal, with slightly earthy notes.
Physical properties: Acidic pH; Soluble in water and alcohol; Recommended dosage: between 2 and 7%; Density: 1.178 - 1.231 g/cm3; Refractive index: 1.427 - 1.461.
Concerns: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-dandruff, astringent, antimicrobial, purifying, sebum-regulating, hair strengthening, protective.
Effect: All skin types, particularly combination to oily skin and acne-prone skin; All types of skin, especially oily scalps; Recommended for combating dandruff and for preventing hair loss.
Antibacterial: Regulating certain populations of micro-organisms (Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Cutibacterium acnes, etc.) by inhibiting their growth, thereby reducing imperfections;
Anti-inflammatory: Curbing inflammatory reactions and soothing redness and itching by preventing the formation of prostaglandins, pro-inflammatory molecules, by inhibiting the NF-kB pathway involved in immune and inflammatory responses, and by downregulating the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-2, IL-1β, TNF-α, etc.);
Antioxidant: Defending cells and their components against oxidative stress by neutralising free radicals through electron donation;
Anti-dandruff: Helps to eliminate dandruff due to its anti-fungal activity (Malassezia) ;
Astringent: Minimise the appearance of pores and refine skin texture through an indirect mechanism due to its sebum-regulating properties;
"Protector": Protecting collagen and elastin from the action of matrix metalloproteinases (collagenase and elastase), enzymes responsible for their degradation, by inhibiting their activity which delays skin ageing;
Hair Strengthener: Preventing hair loss through an inhibitory action on 5-α reductase, a molecule involved in the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a substance responsible for accelerating the transition between the anagen phase (growth phase) and the catagen phase (regression phase);
Sebum Regulator: Reducing shiny areas by regulating the activity of the sebaceous glands through enzymatic inhibition of 5-α reductase, a molecule that catalyses the conversion of testosterone into DHT, a hormone capable of intensifying sebum secretion.
Facial Care (purifying masks, lash & brow strengthening serums, purifying creams, astringent lotions);
Body Care (solid soaps) ;
Haircare (purifying/dandruff/fortifying shampoos, conditioners, purifying masks, hair mists, hair lotions);
Makeups (tinted gels for eyebrows, mascaras).
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
Contrary to leaves known for their stinging power upon skin contact, nettle extract does not cause any irritating effects. It is also not contraindicated for pregnant and breastfeeding women. However, the topical application of a care product based on nettle extract can sometimes lead to a slight skin dryness, an adverse effect that is not systematic and has been rarely observed. On the other hand, some people may be allergic to nettle extract, causing temporary redness and itching. As a precaution, we recommend performing a tolerance test.