Spiraea Ulmaria Extract

Spiraea ulmaria (meadowsweet) extract is a botanical anti-inflammatory/astringent ingredient typically used at low concentrations, but it contains salicylate-related constituents and polyphenols that can sting compromised skin and can trigger reactions in salicylate-sensitive or highly atopic individuals. Clinical patch-test data for this specific extract is limited and botanical extracts show variable composition, so I score it as a moderate irritant/allergen risk rather than “gentle,” especially in eczema-prone populations and when layered with other actives. Safety Notes: In mass-market and prestige skincare, Spiraea ulmaria (meadowsweet) extract is most often used as a minor soothing/astringent botanical at very low label-levels (often as part of a larger botanical blend), with observed use down to ~0.0001% in complex formulas where it appears near the end of the INCI list. At the high end, a few consumer-available “high-botanical” toners/serums and clarifying products using concentrated glycerin/propylene glycol extracts can reach ~1–5% as a single extract input; above this is uncommon due to odor/color, polyphenol/tannin-related sensorial issues, and stability/compatibility constraints (leave-on typically tops out lower than rinse-off, but the market maximum is seen in leave-on toners/serums).