Hypericum Perforatum Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

_Hypericum perforatum_ flower/leaf/stem extract is derived from the plant commonly knowns as St. John’s Wort. Extracts from St. John’s Wort have gained popularity in beauty products due to their various bioactive compounds (including antioxidants) that offer benefits when applied topically. While this ingredient can help skin in some ways, it may also cause issues under certain circumstances. The concern? Research has shown _Hypericum perforatum_ extracts can increase skin sensitivity to sunlight, leading to potential adverse reactions upon exposure. Although initially thought to be of more concern when consumed orally, newer studies indicate topical application can be problematic. This is primarily due to the presence of a compound known as hypericin. Levels of hypericin in _Hypericum perforatum_ extracts vary and can be affected by stability issues, making it difficult to conclusively assess the risk. Hypericin is concentrated in the flowers and leaves of St. John’s Wort. During their 2014 review, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded _Hypericum perforatum_-derived ingredients are safe within the parameters of use outlined in their report. Their assessment looked at personal care products containing _Hypericum perforatum_ flower/leaf/stem extract in concentrations between 0.00002-0.07%. Despite the potential photosensitivity associated with _Hypericum perforatum_ flower/leaf/stem extract, numerous studies note it can have benefits for skin’s barrier, as well as soothing and anti-aging effects. So, is it worth the risk? Considering many other plant extracts offer the same types of benefits that _Hypericum perforatum_ flower/leaf/stem extract can deliver, minus the potential side effects, we’d recommend sticking to those as a safer bet. Additionally, we’d like to see more studies assessing the safety of _Hypericum perforatum_ flower/leaf/stem extract to get a more robust overview of the pros and cons.

Related ingredients: St. John's Wort