EQUISETUM ARVENSE EXTRACT

📋 Quick facts

Description: EQUISETUM ARVENSE EXTRACT — astringent, soothing (Horsetail Extract).

All Functions: astringent, soothing (Horsetail Extract)

Quick Facts:

• Category: active

Proven Benefits At A Glance:

• Contains flavonoids like quercetin and rutin, compounds studied for biological activity
• In lab studies, showed effects on inflammatory markers related to gum health when combined with other ingredients
• Animal studies suggest a connection to bone mineral density in the jaw at higher doses
• Early research indicates potential effects on wound healing and pain in mouth ulcers
• May cross the blood-brain barrier when combined with certain compounds, though human evidence is lacking

📊 Comedogenicity

🛡️ Safety rating

Safety tier is a starting heuristic from regulatory status and comedogenic rating, not a dermatological verdict — see our Terms for the full disclaimer. Research confidence reflects how many real cited studies back this ingredient, not the strength of their findings.

🌍 Regulatory Status

💧 Skin Type Compatibility

⚠️ Don’t Combine With

📚 Research & Evidence

🔬 The Science

Equisetum arvense extract is a plant ingredient that researchers have begun studying for several potential uses, though it’s important to note that most research is preliminary and conducted in lab or animal models rather than in humans. #1: Flavonoid content — The extract contains measurable amounts of flavonoids, naturally occurring plant compounds. Researchers have identified specific flavonoids in Equisetum arvense including rutin, quercetin, kaempferol, and luteolin using chemical analysis (Rep Biochem Mol Biol, 2022). These flavonoids are of scientific interest because they’re thought to have biological activity, though the relevance to skincare products used topically remains unclear from these sources.

#2: Inflammatory markers and gum health — In cell culture studies, Equisetum arvense extract suppressed TNF-α, a pro-inflammatory protein, particularly when combined with glycyrrhizin (another ingredient). This effect occurred through inhibiting JNK phosphorylation, a molecular signaling pathway. An animal model of periodontitis (gum disease) also showed reduced TNF-α in gum tissue when the extract was combined with glycyrrhizin (Odontology, 2021). However, this research involved oral health specifically, not general skin. #3: Bone mineral density — In a 30-day rat study, the highest dose of Equisetum arvense extract (120 mg/kg) was associated with increased mandibular (jaw) bone mineral density compared to controls, though serum calcium and phosphorus levels showed no significant changes (Caspian J Intern Med, 2019).

This was animal research and doesn’t directly translate to human bone health. #4: Wound healing and pain in mouth tissue — In a hamster model of mouth ulcers, higher-dose Equisetum arvense extract reduced wound area and improved weight gain compared to saline controls. The extract suppressed expression of inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-6, COX-2) and reduced substance P, a pain-signaling neurotransmitter (PLoS One, 2024). Again, this is specific to oral wounds, not general skin. #5: Blood-brain barrier research — A 2025 study found that Equisetum arvense, when combined with palmitoylethanolamide, crossed an in vitro blood-brain barrier model and modulated inflammatory and pain-related pathways in neural cell cultures (Nutrients, 2025).

This is highly preliminary laboratory research with no human data. Limitations: These sources do not include human clinical trials of Equisetum arvense extract as a skincare ingredient. Most research focuses on oral health, bone density in animals, or laboratory cell cultures. The relevance and efficacy for topical skincare use remains unsupported by these sources.

📄 Related Research

Matched by search — not necessarily verified support for every statement above.

• Makia R et al. (2022). In Vitro Cytotoxic Activity of Total Flavonoid from Equisetum Arvense Extract. Rep Biochem Mol Biol.
• Shiba F et al. (2021). Anti-inflammatory effect of glycyrrhizin with Equisetum arvense extract. Odontology.
• Arbabzadegan N et al. (2019). Effect of equisetum arvense extract on bone mineral density in Wistar rats via digital radiography. Caspian J Intern Med.
• Shiba F et al. (2024). Antinociceptive effect of Equisetum arvense extract on the stomatitis hamster model. PLoS One.
• Mulè S et al. (2025). Molecular Insights into the Nociceptive Modulation by Palmitoylethanolamide and Equisetum arvense Extract: An In Vitro Study Across the Blood-Brain Barrier. Nutrients.

🧴 Products Containing EQUISETUM ARVENSE EXTRACT

• Nowy Nowy cleansing jel for dry skin
• Hairwell, EUCO, SERPOL-COSMETICS 7-Kräuter-Shampoo
• Henkel, Schwarzkopf Shampoo – 7 Herbs – 7 Kruiden
• Madre Tierra shampoo nutritivo
• Anadia Profesional Crema anticelulítica reductora
• Hoito Saç maskesi
• Nidé.co, Nidéco Tits Party
• nioxin shampoo
• Palmer Palmer’s Olive Oil Formula Deep Conditioner
• Petal Fresh Volumizing Conditioner
• Deluvia Miracle, aloe cream
• Belmed,Bel-Zid Bel-zid
• Biocura Kräuter Shampoo
• CeraVe Verbeterende Oogcrème
• Carrefour Déodorant TEMPTATION
• Garnier Garnier
• CeraVe CeraVe Eye Repair Cream
• absolution Le Soin Repulpant
• Laboratoire LAB’NAT Argel 7
• SOS Pied Masque-chaussettes hydratant
• Henkel, Schwarzkopf Schauma Phyto-Coffein
• Henkel, Schauma, Schwarzkopf & Henkel GmbH 7-Kräuter Shampoo
• Logona Shampooing sensitif à l’acacia bio
• Cien, Win Cosmetic Shampoo 7 Kräuter
• Philip Martin’s Potion Cream
• DR. Hauschka Kosmetik, Dr. Hauschka Lait crème pour le corps lavande bois de santal
• Bio Шампунь прелесть
• Natura Siberica La force du loup
• Henkel, Ballerina Detox Purificante
• Sukin Sukin haircare
• Hayaseï Effet express soin choc antifatigue eye patch
• Giovanni Giovanni Tea tree oil shampoo
• averac caviar
• Sukin Natural Deodorant Fresh Cotton
• Elkos Birken Haarwasser
• Schwarkzopf Shampoo 7 kruiden