Chrysanthemum Parthenium Extract

Chrysanthemum parthenium (feverfew) extract is used as a soothing botanical at low concentrations, but Asteraceae plant extracts can contain sesquiterpene lactones (e.g., parthenolide) that are well-documented triggers of allergic contact dermatitis in sensitized and eczema-prone patients. Even when “parthenolide-free” is claimed, batch variability and cross-reactivity with other Compositae allergens make reactions plausible, so I score it as a moderate irritant/allergen with patch testing advised for sensitive skin. Safety Notes: In commercial skincare, Chrysanthemum parthenium (feverfew) extract is often used at very low levels (around 0.001–0.05%) as a soothing/antioxidant botanical in leave-on creams, serums, and toners, especially when the extract is standardized for key markers. Higher-strength consumer-available products (typically leave-on calming serums/masks and some botanical-heavy creams) can reach ~1–5% when the extract is supplied as a dilute glycerin/propylene glycol/water carrier and used as a featured active botanical. Concentrations above this are uncommon in OTC due to sensitization/allergen management (e.g., parthenolide control) and stability/odor/color constraints; rinse-off products tend to sit at the lower end because of reduced deposition time.