Hypericum Perforatum Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s wort) extract is a botanical anti-inflammatory/soothing agent typically used at low percentages, but it contains bioactive compounds (notably hypericin/hyperforin) that can trigger irritant or allergic contact dermatitis in susceptible individuals. It also carries a clinically relevant photoreactivity risk, which can amplify redness and stinging when combined with UV exposure or other actives in a routine. Given the real-world variability of botanical extracts and the higher vulnerability of eczema-prone skin, a moderate irritancy score is warranted and patch testing is advisable. Safety Notes: In mass-market creams, toners, and cleansers, Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s wort) extract is frequently used as a minor soothing/“botanical blend” component at trace-to-low levels (often 0.0001–0.1%), especially when part of multi-extract complexes. Higher levels are seen in consumer botanical balms, post-sun/cica-style creams, and herbal “ointment” leave-on products where the extract is a primary active (commonly ~0.5–2% and up to about 5% in high-botanical formulations). Very high use is constrained in leave-on products by odor/color, potential photoreactivity of hypericin-rich extracts, and variability by solvent/extract ratio, so strong products more often use standardized extracts or oily macerates while rinse-off products typically remain at the low end.