Article last updated: October 15, 2024
Viscum Album, commonly known as European mistletoe, is a plant material derived from the mistletoe species Viscum album L., which belongs to the Loranthaceae family. This intriguing plant is often associated with holiday traditions, but it has also found its way into the world of cosmetics.
Historically, mistletoe has been used in various traditional medicines across Europe for centuries. Its application in cosmetics, however, is a more recent development. The soothing properties of Viscum Album have made it a valuable ingredient in skincare formulations, particularly for products aimed at calming and comforting the skin.
The process of making Viscum Album extract involves harvesting the mistletoe plant, which typically grows on host trees like apple, oak, and pine. The plant material is then carefully processed to extract its beneficial compounds. This usually involves a combination of drying, grinding, and solvent extraction methods to ensure that the active ingredients are preserved and can be effectively incorporated into cosmetic products.
In this section, we will delve into the officially recognized cosmetic benefits and uses of Viscum Album:
Viscum Album is primarily known for its soothing properties. This means that when applied to the skin, it can help to calm and alleviate irritation. Whether you have sensitive skin that reacts easily to environmental factors or you’re dealing with temporary redness and discomfort, products containing Viscum Album can provide a gentle, calming effect. This makes it a valuable ingredient in formulations aimed at reducing skin stress and promoting a more balanced complexion.
Note: the listed benefits above are exclusively based on the officially recognized and defined functions of the ingredient, as documented by the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI).
Viscum Album, while generally considered safe for topical use, does come with some considerations regarding its safety, suitability, and allergenic potential.
Regarding individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding, data and research on the topical usage of Viscum Album during pregnancy and breastfeeding are lacking. Therefore, it is advisable for these individuals to consult a healthcare professional for further advice before using products containing this ingredient.
Side effects and adverse reactions from Viscum Album are relatively uncommon. However, as with any cosmetic ingredient, it is recommended to perform a patch test before widespread usage to ensure there are no adverse reactions.
In terms of comedogenicity, Viscum Album has a rating of 1 on a scale of 0 to 5, where 0 is totally non-comedogenic and 5 is highly comedogenic. This low rating means that it is unlikely to clog pores and is generally suitable for people prone to acne, blemishes, or breakouts.
