NASTURTIUM OFFICINALE EXTRACT
Watercress extract is made from the whole Nasturtium officinale plant, commonly called watercress. The species belongs to the Brassicaceae family, the botanical group that also includes vegetables such as kale and mustard; in this case, though, it appears as a botanical extract for cosmetics rather than as the fresh food on a plate.
NASTURTIUM OFFICINALE EXTRACT: what it is
Watercress extract is made from the whole Nasturtium officinale plant, commonly called watercress. The species belongs to the Brassicaceae family, the botanical group that also includes vegetables such as kale and mustard; in this case, though, it appears as a botanical extract for cosmetics rather than as the fresh food on a plate.
“Whole plant” distinguishes this extract from ingredients made only from seeds, an oil, or an isolated watercress fraction. The name on a label does not disclose the solvent, concentration, or extraction method, so those details may differ among raw materials carrying the same INCI name.
NASTURTIUM OFFICINALE EXTRACT: what it does in cosmetics
In cosmetics, watercress extract may be included for skin conditioning, a purpose aimed at helping the skin surface feel soft and pleasant to the touch. It may also contribute a perfuming note; that does not mean a product will necessarily smell strongly of fresh watercress.
One published study applied a crude Nasturtium officinale leaf extract in a mouse model of induced inflammation. That animal result, using a particular extract and preparation, does not show that the isolated INCI ingredient treats inflammation, acne, wounds, or any skin condition in people.
Products containing this ingredient
See which products include it and the name used in each composition.
