Ingredient

(ARNICA MONTANA/CALENDULA OFFICINALIS/MATRICARIA CHAMOMILLA) FLOWER EXTRACT

Name of the plant

Arnica; European Arnica Calendula; Ring Flower; Marigold

Used plant parts

Flowers

Type of preparation

Extract (solvent extract)

Function(s) of this ingredient in cosmetic products

SKIN CONDITIONING - HUMECTANT

Preserves skin moisture

Origin

plant (Information may exclusively reflect the status at initial entry of this ingredient into the relevant INCI dictionary; technological progress may have added new manufacturing options based on substances of different origin)

Occurrence in cosmetics

Soaps, shampoos, bath additives, aftershave lotions, creams, massage oils, toilet waters

Background information on use in cosmetics

Arnica (INCI: as a word component ARNICA) is a plant and grows in central European hills and mountains. Its plant extract, which is obtained from the flowers and roots of the plant, is used for homeopathic purposes and in cosmetics. It consists of tannins, carotenoids and flavonoids. In caring cosmetics arnica is used in care creams and facial toners. The blood circulation stimulating effect ensures a better supply of the skin and an increased metabolism and hence a rosy complexion more particularly in the event of pale skin. As a result of the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect, arnica is used in care creams for blemish skin, with a tendency for acne. Hair and the scalp can likewise benefit from the blood circulation stimulating effect. Arnica is frequently used for hair lotions and hair tonics. Moreover, arnica is partly used as an ingredient in toothpaste. It supports blood circulation, calms irritated gums and protects against gum bleeding and irritation.

Belongs to the following substance groups

Humectants

Ingredients for skincare

Moisturisers

Regulating cosmetics

Cosmetics Ingredients are subject to regulation. Please note, different regulations may apply to cosmetic ingredients outside the EU.

Understanding your cosmetics

How are cosmetics kept safe in Europe?

Strict laws make sure that cosmetics and personal care products sold in the European Union are safe for people to use. Companies, national and European regulatory authorities share the responsibility of keeping cosmetic products safe.

What should I know about endocrine disruptors?

Some ingredients used in cosmetic products have been claimed to be ‘endocrine disruptors’ because they have the potential to mimic some of the properties of our hormones. Just because something has the potential to mimic a hormone does not mean it will disrupt our endocrine system. Many substances, including natural ones, mimic hormones but very few, and these are mostly potent medicines, have ever been shown to cause disruption of the endocrine system. The rigorous product safety assessments by qualified, scientific experts that companies are legally obliged to carry out cover all potential risks, including potential endocrine disruption.

Are cosmetics tested on animals? No!

In the European Union, testing cosmetics on animals has been fully banned since 2013. Over the last 30 years, long before a ban was in place, the cosmetics and personal care industry has invested in research and development to pioneer alternatives to animal testing tools to assess the safety of cosmetics ingredients and products.

What about allergens in cosmetics?

Many substances, natural or man-made, have the potential to cause an allergic reaction. An allergic reaction occurs when a person’s immune system reacts to substances that are harmless to most people. A substance that causes an allergic reaction is called an allergen. Cosmetics and personal care products may contain ingredients that can be allergenic for some people. This does not mean that the product is not safe for others to use.

Database

Cosmetics matter to people and play an important role in our everyday life. On average European consumers use over seven different cosmetics daily. You too? It’s only natural that you want to know more about the ingredients in those products.

In the digital world we live in, there’s a deluge of information on cosmetics. However, it can be difficult to know which sources are reliable. COSMILE Europe is a European cosmetic ingredient database that offers reliable, verified and scientifically supported information on almost 30,000 ingredients used in cosmetics.

This database will help you understand why certain ingredients are in your cosmetic products; which properties they have and much more. The database is currently available in fourteen languages with more to come.

Search the Database