Chrysanthemum Parthenium Flower Extract

Chrysanthemum parthenium (feverfew) flower extract is used in low concentrations as a soothing/antioxidant botanical, but it is part of the Asteraceae/Compositae family and contains sesquiterpene lactones (e.g., parthenolide) associated with allergic contact dermatitis in patch testing and real-world sensitization. Even when processed to reduce parthenolide, batch variability and cross-reactivity (especially in eczema-prone or fragrance/botanical-reactive patients) make irritation/sensitization risk clinically notable. Given the potential for delayed reactions and the high stakes in compromised skin, it should be treated as an active botanical requiring careful introduction and patch testing. Safety Notes: In mass-market and prestige leave-on products (especially serums, moisturizers, and eye creams), Chrysanthemum Parthenium (feverfew) flower extract is commonly included as a soothing/antioxidant botanical at very low levels (often ~0.001–0.05%) as part of a broader botanical complex, which reflects typical supplier-recommended use rates and cost/odor/color constraints. Higher-strength consumer products marketed for redness/“calming” can push standardized feverfew/chrysanthemum extracts into the ~0.5–3% range, with the upper end most often seen in concentrated leave-on serums/ampoules rather than rinse-off cleansers, where levels are generally kept lower due to brief contact time and formula economics.