What it is
This is a plant-derived extract obtained from the leaves of Hypericum perforatum, the common St. John's wort. It is used in skincare and sun care as a skin-conditioning ingredient, often selected for the plant's polyphenol content. It is not a UV filter and provides no sun protection by itself.
Safety & warnings
Botanical extracts can occasionally trigger irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, so a patch test is recommended. Hypericum perforatum contains hypericin, associated with photosensitivity at high internal doses; the relevance in low-level topical cosmetic extracts is limited, but those with sun-reactive or very sensitive skin may want to monitor tolerance.
Origin & sourcing
Natural botanical extract derived from the leaves of the Hypericum perforatum plant (common St. John's wort).
History
St. John's wort has a long tradition of botanical use, and leaf extracts are used in modern cosmetics as conditioning agents.
Questions everyone asks
Which part of the plant is this from?
It is extracted from the leaves of Hypericum perforatum, the common St. John's wort.
Does it offer UV protection?
No. It is a skin-conditioning botanical extract and does not act as a UV filter or add to SPF.