Stellaria Media Extract

Stellaria media (chickweed) extract is a botanical soothing/emollient ingredient typically used at low concentrations in leave-on products, with no strong evidence of inherent irritancy at those levels. However, as a complex plant extract it contains multiple bioactive constituents that can trigger irritant or allergic contact dermatitis in a small subset of highly reactive or eczema-prone patients, especially on compromised skin. Given this non-zero sensitization potential and variability in extract quality, it fits best as generally well-tolerated but not risk-free. Safety Notes: In commercial skincare, Stellaria media (chickweed) extract is most often used as a minor botanical soothing claim ingredient in leave-on creams/lotions and rinse-off cleansers at very low levels (typically around 0.001–0.1%), especially when supplied as a diluted extract in a carrier (glycerin/propylene glycol/water). Higher-strength consumer products (botanical gels, balms, and “herbal concentrate” leave-on formulas) can use the extract at ~1–5% when the supplier material is a standardized extract solution; levels above this are uncommon due to odor/color impact and overall botanical load/stability constraints rather than regulatory limits.