Artemisia Absinthium Extract

Artemisia absinthium (wormwood) extract is a botanical soothing/antioxidant ingredient typically used at low concentrations, but it contains sesquiterpene lactones and other aromatic constituents associated with irritant and allergic contact dermatitis in patch-testing and case reports, especially in eczema-prone skin. Because botanical extracts can vary widely in composition and may include trace fragrance-like compounds, the risk in highly sensitive or barrier-impaired patients is meaningful. In routine skincare use it is not universally irritating, but the sensitization potential warrants a moderate score and patch testing. Safety Notes: In commercial skincare, Artemisia absinthium (wormwood) extract is most commonly used as a minor soothing/antioxidant botanical, with many leave-on serums, creams, and toners listing it at trace-to-low levels around 0.001–0.1% (often as part of multi-extract blends). Higher-strength consumer products marketed around “artemisia/wormwood” (especially essences, ampoules, and concentrated botanical gels) can reach ~1–5% when the extract is a primary featured active, with formulators typically staying below this to manage odor, color, and potential irritation/sensitization risks associated with aromatic constituents. Rinse-off formats (cleansers/masks) generally sit toward the lower end due to brief contact time and cost/odor constraints, while leave-on products account for most of the upper-range concentrations.