Nasturtium Officinale Extract

Nasturtium officinale extract comes from watercress, a leafy plant native to Europe and western Asia. The extract is obtained from the leaves and contains various bioactive compounds including minerals and organic constituents that have been used in traditional medicine for their skin-soothing properties.In skincare formulations, this extract functions primarily as a skin conditioning agent and fragrance component. It is found in approximately 0.2% of skincare products, typically used in small concentrations to support the skin's natural balance rather than as a primary active ingredient.

Research suggests that nasturtium officinale extract works through multiple mechanisms. Animal studies indicate it may activate glucocorticoid receptor pathways and modulate inflammatory signalling through NF-κB, a key pathway involved in skin inflammation. This dual action appears to help reduce the inflammatory response without the side effects associated with some topical anti-inflammatory medications.The extract also contains naturally occurring minerals and compounds with antioxidant properties, which may help protect skin cells from environmental damage and support the skin's own repa…

Nasturtium officinale extract is typically included in formulations as a supporting ingredient rather than the primary active, so it works best as part of a broader skincare routine. It can be used daily as part of cleansers, toners, serums or moisturisers. If you have particularly sensitive or reactive skin, introduce products containing this ingredient gradually to monitor tolerance, although it is generally well-regarded for sensitive skin types.

Nasturtium officinale extract is generally considered well-tolerated with no significant safety concerns reported in cosmetic use. As with any botanical ingredient, individuals with known sensitivities to plants in the Brassicaceae family should exercise caution.