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Hedera Helix Extract products at Skintique
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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. Research 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.
The 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.
Though 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.
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
From the Clinic
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Take the skin quizOther forms of Hedera Helix Extract
These appear on ingredients lists under different names but are the same substance. Hedera Helix Extract is the common form.
Related Ingredients
Hedera Helix Leaf/Stem Extract
Plant extract with gentle astringent and conditioning properties for balanced skin
Hedera Helix Leaf Extract
A plant extract traditionally used to support skin conditioning and comfort
Camphor
Aromatic substance Sometimes obtained from tree wood
Colloidal Sulfur
Nano-sized form of sulfur
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
Fragrant plant oil Contains active constituents from leaves and oil
Lemon Oil
Fragrant volatile oil derived from lemon
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