What it is
This ingredient is the water-based fraction obtained from the leaves of Artemisia princeps, a mugwort species popular in Korean skin care. It carries water-soluble plant constituents and is commonly used as a calming, botanically positioned base for the water phase. It often appears high on ingredient lists in products built around a mugwort theme.
Safety & warnings
Mugwort belongs to the Asteraceae (Compositae) family and is a recognized source of allergens, including for those with mugwort pollen sensitivity, so cross-reactivity with related plants such as ragweed and chamomile is possible. As a dilute leaf water the reactive content is generally low, but contact reactions can occur in sensitized individuals. It is water-based and not comedogenic.
Origin & sourcing
Natural; produced from the leaves of Artemisia princeps (Korean mugwort), an Asteraceae herb, typically as an aqueous extract or distillate.
History
Mugwort has a long-standing place in East Asian, and particularly Korean, traditional skin and bathing preparations, and has been adopted by modern cosmetics as a featured soothing botanical.
Questions everyone asks
Is this the same as mugwort essential oil?
No. Leaf water is the water-based fraction with only trace volatile compounds, distinct from the concentrated essential oil.
Who should be cautious with mugwort water?
People allergic to mugwort or other Asteraceae plants such as ragweed and chamomile may be more likely to react.