Echinacea Angustifolia Root Extract

Echinacea angustifolia root extract is a botanical anti-inflammatory/soothing ingredient typically used at low concentrations, but plant extracts contain complex mixtures (including potential allergenic proteins/phenolics) that have documented cases of contact dermatitis, especially in atopic individuals or those sensitized to Asteraceae (ragweed family). While many users tolerate it, the sensitization risk and variability between extracts make occasional reactivity plausible in sensitive skin, warranting a mild (0.4) irritancy rating for patient safety. Safety Notes: In mass-market and prestige leave-on products (creams/serums/toners), Echinacea angustifolia root extract is often used as a minor botanical supporting ingredient at very low levels (down to ~0.0005–0.01%), especially when supplied as a diluted extract or part of a botanical blend. Dedicated “botanical active” or calming/anti-redness products and some natural/indie formulations use higher standalone levels, commonly ~0.5–2% and up to ~5% in consumer OTC leave-on products when the extract is standardized and the formula can tolerate color/odor and stability constraints; rinse-off products generally sit toward the lower end due to limited deposition.