Evening Primrose Extract | Extrait d’onagre
Category
Active ingredients
Evening primrose, a symbol of floral beauty and healing power, also known as oenothera biennis. Its extract, obtained from the plant’s seeds by cold pressing, is valued for its abundant linoleic and gamma-linolenic acid content – essential fatty acids with skin regeneration and moisturizing properties. This natural ingredient, originating from the prairies of North America, acts as a soothing elixir, reducing inflammation and helping to restore the skin barrier. Used in creams, serum formulas, and body care products, it softens, smoothes, and strengthens the skin, giving it a healthy glow. Due to its gentle yet effective properties, evening primrose extract is a true gift of nature for skin care.
Purpose and Benefits
Evening primrose extract is not only a support for skin care, but also an excellent ally in hair care products. The fatty acids it contains help strengthen hair follicles, reduce dryness and promote elasticity. This is especially important for people whose hair is prone to breakage or is damaged due to environmental exposure or frequent heat use. In addition, this extract soothes the scalp, reduces itching and helps fight dryness, leaving hair softer, shinier, and its overall appearance more vibrant. The unique ability of this ingredient to restore the natural balance of skin and hair comes from the bioactive substances it contains, which promote cell renewal. Evening primrose extract can be especially beneficial for sensitive or irritated skin. It reduces redness, soothes itching and promotes skin healing after problems such as eczema or acne. It is an ingredient that not only solves existing problems, but also helps preventatively maintain healthy and resilient skin. In addition to its aesthetic benefits, this extract also acts as a protective shield, neutralizing free radicals and reducing the effects of oxidative stress. This is an important contribution to slowing down the skin aging process. Due to this effect, evening primrose extract becomes an extremely valuable ingredient in mature skin care products, which aim to preserve the skin’s firmness, elasticity and natural radiance. Evening primrose also contributes to maintaining the delicate balance of the dermal microflora. Its extract helps protect the skin from the influence of harmful bacteria, while promoting the activity of beneficial microorganisms. This effect helps to keep the skin in harmony, allowing it to breathe naturally and restore its functions.
Security Information
Evening primrose extract is considered a safe ingredient, but like any natural product, it can cause some reactions. In rare cases, allergic reactions such as skin rash or itching may occur, especially in people who are sensitive to plants from the Onagraceae family. When using this extract for the first time, it is recommended to perform a sensitivity test to avoid possible unpleasant sensations. Although evening primrose extract is widely recognized in the cosmetics industry, it is important to pay attention to its origin and composition, as the quality may vary depending on the manufacturer. Given that this ingredient is often used in skin and hair care products, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s usage recommendations and carefully monitor any changes when using products containing this extract.
Sustainability and Extraction
The sustainability and ethical considerations of evening primrose extract are of a dual nature. As this ingredient is derived from natural sources – evening primrose seeds – its cultivation generally does not require the intensive use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides, which reduces the negative impact on soil and biodiversity. However, the commercial cultivation of this plant, if carried out irresponsibly, can lead to soil degradation and imbalances in local ecosystems. Furthermore, depending on the growing region, social issues may also be relevant, such as inadequate working conditions for growers or insufficient compensation for raw materials. Many manufacturers supplying this extract lack transparency, making it important to choose those who adhere to organic and fair trade principles. In addition, low-impact production methods, such as cold pressing, help maintain both the quality of the extract and reduce energy consumption, which becomes a significant sustainability advantage.
Products
Evening primrose extract is often found in facial creams designed for sensitive and dry skin care, as its soothing properties help calm irritations and restore the skin barrier. This ingredient is frequently included in serums to intensely hydrate and strengthen the skin, as often seen in Korean brands such as Klairs or Benton. Body lotions and oils containing this extract provide deep nourishment and skin moisture retention, making them particularly suitable for the cold season. In hair care products, such as shampoos or hair masks from brands like Aromatica, evening primrose extract helps restore scalp balance and strengthens hair roots, giving them shine and elasticity. In lip balms, this ingredient is used to protect and soften chapped or dry lips. Face masks, especially sheet masks, as used in Mizon products, often utilize this extract to hydrate and revitalize the skin, giving it a healthy glow.