What it is
Verbena officinalis extract is prepared from the aerial parts of common vervain, an herb containing iridoid glycosides such as verbenalin along with flavonoids and other plant compounds. In skincare and sunscreens it is used at low levels as a skin-conditioning and soothing botanical that can contribute mild antioxidant character. It is typically included as part of a botanical blend in lightweight emulsions and gels.
Safety & warnings
Verbena officinalis extract is generally well tolerated in leave-on products. It should not be confused with lemon verbena, whose essential oil is a recognized fragrance allergen and photosensitizer; the herb-based extract used here is not typically a source of citral. As with any botanical, sensitive individuals can occasionally react.
Origin & sourcing
Natural. It is an extract of the herb Verbena officinalis (common vervain), distinct from lemon verbena (Aloysia/Lippia citriodora).
History
Common vervain has a long history in traditional European and folk herbalism, and has more recently been adopted as a soothing botanical in cosmetic formulations.
Questions everyone asks
Is this the same as lemon verbena?
No. This is common vervain (Verbena officinalis), a different plant from lemon verbena, whose essential oil carries fragrance-allergen concerns.
What role does it play in skincare?
It is used as a soothing, skin-conditioning botanical with mild antioxidant character, usually at low levels in a botanical blend.