What it is
Portulaca Pilosa Extract is derived from a small succulent plant related to common purslane. It is incorporated into skincare and sun care products for its conditioning and comforting properties, and like other purslane-family extracts it is associated with a soothing feel on the skin. It is typically used at low concentrations in the water phase of a formula.
Safety & warnings
Purslane-family botanical extracts are generally well tolerated in topical products. As with all plant extracts, occasional sensitivity is possible, and overall tolerability depends on the complete formulation.
Origin & sourcing
Natural, plant-derived. It is prepared from the aerial parts of Portulaca pilosa, a succulent native to warm regions of the Americas.
Questions everyone asks
What kind of plant does this come from?
It comes from Portulaca pilosa, a small succulent in the purslane family, closely related to the edible common purslane.
Why is it used in sunscreen?
It is added as a soothing, skin-conditioning botanical rather than as a UV filter; it does not provide sun protection on its own.