Intelligence · Ingredients

The ingredient narratives reshaping clean beauty.

Knotgrass Extract

aka polygonum aviculare extract · common knotgrass extract

A botanical extract with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties used in colour cosmetics. The avicularin (flavonol glycoside) content provides the mechanism for skin-comfort claims in soothing concealers.

Benefits
  • Anti-inflammatory via avicularin and quercetin content
  • Antioxidant activity
  • Mild astringent via tannin content
  • Skin soothing in colour cosmetic context
  • Polyphenol-rich botanical
Example uses
  • Concealer formulas with soothing claims
  • Foundation bases
  • Sensitive skin colour cosmetics
  • Anti-redness tinted products
  • Soothing primers
Formulation notes

Aqueous or hydroalcoholic extract. Quercetin content oxidation-sensitive — antioxidant pairing recommended. Tannin content may cause transient staining in very high concentrations.

Watchouts

Evidence base is primarily in vitro. Clinical evidence specifically for knotgrass as a cosmetic active is very limited. Botanical anti-inflammatory narrative in colour cosmetics may overstate functional benefit at typical make-up extract concentrations.

Clean beauty perception

Broadly accepted in clean beauty as botanical soothing ingredient. Less well-known consumer recognition than chamomile or centella.