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Ingredient · INCI reference

Mallow Flower Extract

INCI name: Malva Sylvestris Flower Extract

An extract from the flowers of Malva sylvestris (common mallow) used in skin care as a soothing, conditioning botanical.

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Editorial ingredient illustration for Malva Sylvestris Flower Extract

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What it is

Malva Sylvestris Flower Extract is derived from the flowers of common mallow, a plant noted for its mucilage and polysaccharide content. In cosmetics it is used for its soft, conditioning, and soothing-feel properties, contributing a gentle, comforting quality to skin-care and sunscreen formulas. It is typically present at low levels as a supporting botanical.

Safety & warnings

Mallow flower extract is generally regarded as gentle and well tolerated at cosmetic use levels. As with any botanical, occasional sensitivity is possible, and mucilage- and sugar-rich extracts depend on adequate preservation in the finished product.

Origin & sourcing

Natural; an extract prepared from the flowers of Malva sylvestris, a mallow plant common across Europe and Asia.

Questions everyone asks

What does mallow flower extract do in sunscreen?

It is used as a soothing, conditioning botanical that adds a soft, comforting feel; it does not provide UV protection.

Is Malva sylvestris suitable for sensitive skin?

It is generally considered a gentle conditioning botanical, though anyone with botanical sensitivities may wish to patch test.

Sources & references

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