Intelligence · Ingredients

The ingredient narratives reshaping clean beauty.

Arnica Extract

aka arnica montana flower extract · mountain arnica · wolf's bane extract

Traditional anti-inflammatory botanical with dual reputation — sports medicine for bruising/inflammation, and clean beauty body oils and calming skincare.

Benefits
  • Anti-inflammatory via sesquiterpene lactone (helenalin)
  • Reduces bruising and post-procedure swelling
  • Antioxidant flavonoid content
  • Analgesic at therapeutic concentrations
  • Traditionally used for muscle soreness
Example uses
  • Body oils for muscle recovery
  • Post-workout balms
  • Bruise creams
  • Calming body lotions
  • Post-procedure cooling gels
Formulation notes

Aqueous or hydroalcoholic extracts; helenalin content varies by extraction. Not recommended for use on broken skin.

Watchouts

Helenalin is a known contact sensitiser. At cosmetic dilution risk is low but real for Asteraceae-sensitive individuals.

Clean beauty perception

Ambivalent in clean-beauty. Accepted in body care and post-procedure products. Sensitisation potential underreported.