Acmella Oleracea Extract

Acmella oleracea extract is a botanical “anti-wrinkle/firming” ingredient typically used at low percentages, but it contains bioactive alkamides (e.g., spilanthol) that can produce a tingling sensation and have documented potential for irritant or allergic contact dermatitis in susceptible individuals. While many users tolerate it, in highly reactive or eczema-prone skin the combination of plant-derived actives and potential residual extraction components makes mild irritation plausible, especially when layered with other actives. Given the variability of botanical extracts and the need to err on patient safety, a mild irritancy score is appropriate. Safety Notes: In mass-market leave-on moisturizers/serums, Acmella oleracea extract is often used as a supportive “firming/line-smoothing” botanical at very low levels (around 0.01–0.1%), frequently within a multi-extract complex. More concentrated consumer “instant tightening” serums and targeted wrinkle products can reach ~1–5% extract, and a small number of high-strength OTC specialty formulas (especially single-hero botanical or ampoule-style products) are observed up to about 10% depending on extract type/solvent and sensory constraints. Usage is primarily leave-on; rinse-off products tend to sit at the low end due to limited contact time.