Plant extracts are popular ingredients in skincare products, thanks to their wide range of benefits: Depending on which plant extracts are used in a product, these can include UV protection, antioxidant activity, inhibited tyrosinase (for brightening dark spots), and antimicrobial activity. 

Of course, not all plant extracts have the same impact on the skin—so it’s a good idea to have a solid understanding of what your products contain. Here, our skincare experts will explain what plant extracts are, the potential risks and benefits, and share a few of the most popular plant extracts used for skincare—including some used in Curology’s own products.

What are plant extracts?

Plant extracts are useful substances derived from various parts of plants, including leaves, flowers, bark, roots, and seeds. These extracts are derived by combining the chosen plant material with a solvent, a substance capable of dissolving the plant's components, to release its active ingredients. The extracted compounds could include secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenes, saponins, steroids, and glycosides.¹

The method chosen to create a plant extract can vary and largely depends on the type of plant and the specific compounds desired.² Some techniques involve alcohol or water, others use oils, and some may even use methods like steam distillation or cold pressing.

Various botanical extracts have been used in medical treatments across many traditional cultures, and they continue to be a vital part of modern health and wellness routines. You can find plant extracts being used today in cleansers, moisturizers, astringents, and many other cosmetic products.³

Each plant has its own unique composition of beneficial compounds. Therefore, each extract carries the potential to offer distinct beneficial properties.

The benefits of plant extracts

Plant extracts are like nature's pantry: They are a rich source of vitamins, antioxidants, essential oils, proteins, and other bioactive compounds.⁴ These elements can work together to provide numerous health benefits for the skin.

Some plant extracts exhibit antioxidant activity.⁵ Think of antioxidants as little superheroes for your body. They rush to the rescue, combating harmful substances called free radicals. These free radicals are a bit like tiny villains that, if left unchecked, can damage cells and contribute to signs of aging. Botanical extracts with antioxidant properties may provide a line of defense against these harmful substances, contributing to skin health.

Other types of plant extracts may help manage skin discoloration issues.⁶ They do this by inhibiting an enzyme called tyrosinase. In normal amounts, tyrosinase aids in the production of melanin, which gives skin, hair, and eyes their color. However, when tyrosinase gets overactive, it can lead to excess melanin production, causing conditions like melasma, freckles, and age spots. By inhibiting this enzyme, some botanical extracts may help control melanin production, promoting an even skin tone.

Another benefit of plant extracts for skin care is their antimicrobial properties. This means they can fight off harmful microorganisms, including certain bacteria that can cause skin infections.⁷

So, whether it's protecting our cells, helping to even out our skin tone, or warding off microbes, plant extracts offer a variety of skin health benefits.

Common plant extract used for skin care 

Various plant extracts are widely used in skincare products to support the health, texture, or integrity of the skin.⁸ Here are a few of our favorites.

Soy extract

Soy extract is a popular addition to a wide variety of skincare products. Topical application of soy may have a number of benefits such as:⁹

• Reducing hyperpigmentation.

• Enhancing skin elasticity.

• Controlling oil production.

• Moisturizing skin.

• Delaying hair regrowth.

Soy also has the potential to decrease signs of photoaging of the skin.¹⁰

Oat extract

Oat extract, or Avena sativa, is well known for its health benefits. Oat extracts are rich in antioxidants, meaning they may help protect the skin from free radicals, which can cause inflammation and signs of aging. Medical studies have also shown that oats have anti-inflammatory properties and may help skin barrier function.¹¹

Oat extract is a featured ingredient in Curology’s The Cleanser to help balance and soothe skin. 

Shea butter extract

Shea butter is the solid fat extracted from the mature shea fruit. It’s a very common ingredient in skincare products, including anti-aging products. That’s because it has multiple properties that may make it beneficial for your skin.¹²

Two clinical studies showed that shea butter is able to reduce multiple signs of aging and even prevent photo-aging of the skin. It also has UVB-absorbing properties and can boost collagen production.¹³

Additionally, shea butter is an emollient. In fact, it has such a good ability to seal in moisture and soften skin that we included it as a featured ingredient in Curology’s Rich Moisturizer.

Green tea extract

Green tea extract is another popular ingredient in herbal skincare products. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on the skin. Since inflammation and oxidative stress are reported to play a significant role in the aging process, green tea may also have anti-aging effects.¹⁴

When you use green tea extract on your skin, it has a photoprotective effect that can be combined with traditional sunscreens for additional effect.¹⁵

Are there any risks to using plant extracts for skin care? 

The term “plant extracts” encompasses a wide variety of ingredients. Depending on which specific plant extract you're using, there are different risks and benefits to be aware of.

Many people seek out skincare products made with plant extracts because they feel they are more “natural.” It’s important to know that the term natural isn’t regulated by any authority. Each company is free to have its own definition of the term and when it can be used on the label. There’s also no evidence that products labeled “natural” are more effective or safer than those without the label.¹⁶

One possible risk for any type of skincare product is allergic contact dermatitis. This unpleasant reaction causes red or itchy skin. If this happens after you use a new product, be sure to see your local healthcare provider. Allergic contact dermatitis is typically treated by removing the offending product and applying a topical corticosteroid to the affected area until symptoms go away.¹⁷

If you want information and recommendations for your unique skin type, be sure to talk with a licensed dermatology provider. 

Curious about ingredients? Curology can help 

Plant extracts have a wide variety of uses in skincare. Many that were introduced here show properties that may help to minimize the visible signs of aging. The exact risks and benefits will depend on the specific types of extracts you’re using. For individualized recommendations about anti-aging ingredients or other skin care products, it's best to consult a licensed dermatology provider such as the ones at Curology.

To fight signs of aging, Curology providers generally recommend Future-Proofᴿˣ. This is a customized prescription-strength formula, which can include anti-aging ingredients like tretinoin, niacinamide, and more. Future-ProofRx helps you to prevent early signs of aging while also helping promote healthy, glowing skin.

Get your personalized skincare routine with Curology

Get your personalized skincare routine with Curology

Start your skin quiz

Getting started is easy! Just take a quick skin quiz along with a few photos, and one of our licensed medical providers will evaluate your skin. If Curology is right for you, we’ll send you a 30-day trial* of your personalized formula with a mix of active ingredients chosen for your unique skin concerns, plus any of our recommended products. 

P.S. We did the homework so you don't have to:

1. Abubakar, A.R. and Haque, M. Preparation of Medicinal Plants: Basic Extraction and Fractionation Procedures for Experimental Purposes. J Pharm Bioallied Sci. (January-March 2020).

2. Abubakar, A.R. and Haque, M. Preparation of Medicinal Plants: Basic Extraction and Fractionation Procedures for Experimental Purposes. J Pharm Bioallied Sci. Ibid.

3. Stallings, A.F. and Lupo, M.P. Practical Uses of Botanicals in Skin Care. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. (January 2009).

4. Ribeiro, A.S., et al. Main Benefits and Applicability of Plant Extracts in Skin Care Products. Cosmetics. (June 2015). 

5. Ribeiro, A.S., et al. Main Benefits and Applicability of Plant Extracts in Skin Care Products. Cosmetics. Ibid.

6. Ribeiro, A.S., et al. Main Benefits and Applicability of Plant Extracts in Skin Care Products. Cosmetics. Ibid.

7. Ribeiro, A.S., et al. Main Benefits and Applicability of Plant Extracts in Skin Care Products. Cosmetics. Ibid.

8. Stallings, A.F. and Lupo, M.P. Practical Uses of Botanicals in Skin Care. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. Ibid.

9. Stallings, A.F. and Lupo, M.P. Practical Uses of Botanicals in Skin Care. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. Ibid.

10. Stallings, A.F. and Lupo, M.P. Practical Uses of Botanicals in Skin Care. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. Ibid.

11. Song, S., et al. Oat (Avena sativa) Extract against Oxidative Stress-Induced Apoptosis in Human Keratinocytes. Molecules. (2021, September 13).

12. Ferreira, M.S., et al. Trends in the Use of Botanicals in Anti-Aging Cosmetics. Molecules. (2021, June 11).

13. Ferreira, M.S., et al. Trends in the Use of Botanicals in Anti-Aging Cosmetics. Molecules. Ibid.

14. Stallings, A.F. and Lupo, M.P. Practical Uses of Botanicals in Skin Care. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. Ibid.

15. Stallings, A.F. and Lupo, M.P. Practical Uses of Botanicals in Skin Care. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. Ibid.

16. Congressional Research Service. FDA Regulation of Cosmetics and Personal Care Products. (2022, March 9).

17. Murphy, P.B., et al. Allergic Contact Dermatitis. StatPearls. (2022, September 19).

18. Stallings, A.F. and Lupo, M.P. Practical Uses of Botanicals in Skin Care. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. Ibid.

19. Ribeiro, A.S., et al. Main Benefits and Applicability of Plant Extracts in Skin Care Products. Cosmetics. Ibid.

20. Ribeiro, A.S., et al. Main Benefits and Applicability of Plant Extracts in Skin Care Products. Cosmetics. Ibid.

Meredith Hartle is a board-certified Family Medicine physician at Curology. She earned her medical degree at Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, MO.

*Cancel anytime. Subject to consultation. Results may vary.

Written by

Curology Team

Medically reviewed by

Meredith Hartle, DO