Nurtured ingredient guide

Botanicals, explained with care.

Explore the ingredient notes and references behind selected Nurtured formulas.

These ingredient notes are for educational purposes. They describe how botanicals may be used in topical cosmetic formulas and are not medical advice.

01 / Botanical

Arnica montana in pain relief formulas

Arnica, nature's gentle therapy for relieving everyday muscle and joint discomfort. Helps soothe inflammation, ease pain and support recovery from minor aches, strains and bruising. Arnica offers gentle botanical support for topical pain-relief formulas.

MechanismArnica montanaIbuprofen / NSAIDsParacetamol
Reduces inflammationYes1, 2, 3Yes4Minimal5
May reduce inflammatory painYes1, 2, 3Yes4Limited5
Supports recovery from inflammationYes1, 2, 3Yes4Limited5
Helps reduce inflammation signalsYes1, 2Yes4Limited5
Inhibits prostaglandin productionNot primaryYes4Limited5
Antioxidant activityYes2Some activity4Some activity5
Suitable for topical useYes2, 3Yes4Usually oral
Hormone-freeYesYesYes
Safety profileGenerally well tolerated topically; avoid broken skin2, 3Well established but higher GI and systemic risk4Generally well tolerated at recommended doses; overdose can cause serious liver injury5
Common issuesPossible skin irritation; avoid broken skin2, 3GI irritation and other NSAID-related effects4Liver toxicity with excessive doses5
References
  1. Arnica montana L.: Doesn't Origin Matter? (2023).
  2. Effects of Arnica Phytotherapeutic and Homeopathic Formulations on Traumatic Injuries and Inflammatory Conditions: A Systematic Review (2024).
  3. Widrig R, et al. Choosing between NSAID and arnica for topical treatment of hand osteoarthritis. Rheumatology International. 2007;27:585-591. PMID: 17318618.
  4. General NSAID pharmacology.
  5. General paracetamol pharmacology.

02 / Botanical

Calendula herb in skin formulas

Calendula, nature's own gentle therapy for promoting overall skin health. Calms skin irritation, protects the skin barrier and helps to reduce skin inflammation. Calendula works as a gentle botanical alternative.

MechanismCalendula officinalisNiacinamidePanthenolHydrocortisone
Soothes skin irritationYes1, 2, 3Yes4, 5Yes6Yes7
Anti-inflammatory activityYes1, 2, 3Yes4, 5Possible6Yes7
Antioxidant activityYes1, 2, 3Yes5Limited6No established effect
Supports skin barrierPossible1, 2Yes4, 5Yes6May impair barrier function8
Supports skin repair / regenerationYes2, 3Yes5Yes6No established effect
Supports wound healingYes2, 3Possible5Yes6May delay wound healing9
Helps reduce pigmentationPossible2Yes4, 5No established effectNo established effect
Antimicrobial activityPossible1, 3Yes4No established effectNo established effect
Moisturizing effectPossible2Yes5Yes6No established effect
Suitable for topical formulasYes1, 2, 3Yes4, 5Yes6Yes7
Safety profileGenerally well tolerated topically; allergy possible1, 2, 3Generally well tolerated; low irritation potential4, 5Very well tolerated; low irritation potential6Generally tolerated when used appropriately; prolonged use may cause skin thinning7, 8
Common issuesPossible skin irritation or allergy1, 2Usually well tolerated4Generally well tolerated6Skin thinning, stretch marks, irritation, and delayed wound healing7, 8, 9
References
  1. Arora D, Rani A, Sharma A. A review on phytochemistry and ethnopharmacological aspects of genus Calendula. Pharmacognosy Reviews. 2013;7(14):179-187. doi:10.4103/0973-7847.120520.
  2. Shahane K, Kshirsagar M, Tambe S, et al. An Updated Review on the Multifaceted Therapeutic Potential of Calendula officinalis L. Pharmaceuticals. 2023;16(4):611. doi:10.3390/ph16040611.
  3. Sapkota B, Kunwar P. A Review on Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Activities of Calendula officinalis Linn. Natural Product Communications. 2024;19(6). doi:10.1177/1934578X241259021.
  4. Wohlrab J, Kreft D. Niacinamide - mechanisms of action and its topical use in dermatology. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology. 2014;27(6):311-315. doi:10.1159/000359974.
  5. Marques C, Hadjab F, Porcello A, et al. Mechanistic Insights into the Multiple Functions of Niacinamide. Antioxidants. 2024;13(4):425. doi:10.3390/antiox13040425.
  6. Proksch E, de Bony R, Trapp S, Boudon S. Topical use of dexpanthenol. Journal of Dermatological Treatment. 2017;28(8):766-773. doi:10.1080/09546634.2017.1325310.
  7. Hydrocortisone 1% w/w Cream. Summary of Product Characteristics. Electronic Medicines Compendium.
  8. Del Rosso JQ, Cash K. Topical Corticosteroid Application and the Structural and Functional Integrity of the Epidermal Barrier. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. 2013.
  9. Hydrocortisone, Cream and Ointment. Medecins Sans Frontieres Medical Guidelines.

03 / Botanical

Nettle in scalp formulas

Nettle is included in scalp care formulas for its antioxidant and soothing properties, with a focus on a comfortable, well-conditioned scalp.

MechanismNettleNiacinamidePanthenolPiroctone Olamine
Calms scalp irritationYes1, 2Yes5Yes6Yes7
Can reduce inflammationYes1Mild5Mild6Yes7
Antioxidant activityYes1Possible5Possible6Yes7
Supports scalp barrierPossible1Strong5Yes6Yes7
Protects the hair folliclePossible1, 3NoNoPossible7
Supports hair retentionPossible2, 3Possible5Possible6Yes7
Supports pathways to reduce hair thinningPossible2, 3NoNoPossible7
Hormone-freeYes1, 4YesYesNo7
Suitable for long-term cosmetic useYes4Yes5Yes6Limited7
Safety profileGenerally well tolerated in topical use4Well tolerated; widely used in scalp care5Very well tolerated; widely used6Effective; generally well tolerated7
Common issuesRare irritation; patch test advised4Rare irritation5Minimal issues6Dryness or irritation with frequent use7
References
  1. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of nettle. Chrubasik JE, Roufogalis BD, Wagner H, Chrubasik S. Phytomedicine. 2007;14(7-8):568-579. PMID: 17654416.
  2. Botanical modulation of pathways related to hair thinning. Rubaian NFB, et al. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2024. PMCID: PMC11549889.
  3. Follicular protection via antioxidant pathways. Chrubasik JE, et al. Phytomedicine. 2007.
  4. Topical safety of Urtica dioica extracts. Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. International Journal of Toxicology.
  5. Niacinamide scalp barrier and tolerability. Draelos ZD. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.
  6. Panthenol effects on hair fiber and scalp comfort. Robbins CR. Chemical and Physical Behavior of Human Hair. Springer.
  7. Piroctone olamine scalp tolerability. Pierard GE, et al. Dermatology.

04 / Botanical

Boswellia serrata in Pain Oil

Boswellia serrata, nature’s botanical support for soothing muscle and joint discomfort. Helps reduce inflammation, ease pain and stiffness, and support recovery from minor aches and musculoskeletal discomfort. Boswellia provides botanical anti-inflammatory support for topical pain-oil formulations.

MechanismBoswellia serrataIbuprofen / NSAIDsParacetamol
Reduces inflammationYes1, 2, 3Yes4Minimal5
May reduce inflammatory painYes1, 2, 3Yes4Limited5
Supports recovery from inflammationYes1, 2, 3Yes4Limited5
Helps reduce inflammation signalsYes1, 2, 3Yes4Limited5
Inhibits prostaglandin productionMay modulate inflammatory pathways1, 2Yes4Limited5
Inhibits 5-lipoxygenase / leukotriene pathwayYes1, 2Not primaryNot primary
May help reduce muscle & joint discomfortYes1, 2, 3Yes4Limited5
May help reduce joint stiffnessYes1, 2, 3Yes4Limited5
Antioxidant activityYes1, 2Some activity4Some activity5
Suitable for topical pain oilYes1, 2Yes4Usually oral
Hormone-freeYesYesYes
Safety profileGenerally, well tolerated when appropriately formulated; topical tolerability depends on extract and concentration1, 2, 3Well established but higher GI and systemic risk4Generally, well tolerated at recommended doses; overdose can cause serious liver injury5
Common issuesPossible skin irritation or sensitivity; use an appropriate concentration in topical formulations1, 2, 3GI irritation and other NSAID-related effects4Liver toxicity with excessive doses5
References
  1. Yu G, Xiang W, Zhang T, Zeng L, Yang K, Li J. Effectiveness of Boswellia and Boswellia extract for osteoarthritis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies. 2020;20:64. PMID: 32145850.
  2. Dubey V, Kheni D, Sureja V. Efficacy evaluation of standardized Boswellia serrata extract (Aflapin®) in osteoarthritis: A systematic review and sub-group meta-analysis study. Explore. 2024;20(5):102983. PMID: 38365549.
  3. Siemoneit U, Hofmann B, Kather N, et al. On the interference of boswellic acids with 5-lipoxygenase: mechanistic studies in vitro and pharmacological relevance. European Journal of Pharmacology. 2009;606(1–3):246–254. PMID: 19374837.
  4. Vane JR, Botting RM. Mechanism of action of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. American Journal of Medicine. 1998;104(3A):2S–8S. PMID: 9572314.
  5. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Acetaminophen — Safe Use of Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers and Fever Reducers. It covers acetaminophen/paracetamol's analgesic use and the risk of serious liver injury from excessive dosing.

05 / Botanical

Clove (eugenol) in Verdant Hair

Clove, rich in eugenol, is a natural botanical ingredient used in Verdant Hair for its antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and scalp-supporting properties. It may help maintain a healthy scalp environment and support overall hair care.

MechanismClove (eugenol)Rosemary oilPeppermint oilCoconut oil
Supports healthy hairPotential1, 2Human evidence6Preliminary9Hair-shaft protection11, 12
Supports hair folliclesPreliminary1, 2Potential6Preliminary9Indirect11, 12
Supports hair-growth cyclePreliminary1Human evidence6Experimental/animal evidence9Not established11
Supports hair densityLimited evidence1, 2Clinical evidence6Limited/animal evidence9Not established11, 12
Supports scalp healthPotential1, 2, 4Potential6, 7Potential9, 10Supportive11, 12
Antioxidant activityYes1, 2Yes7Some evidence10Some evidence13
Anti-inflammatory activityYes1, 2Yes7Potential10Some evidence13
Antibacterial activityYes1, 3, 4Yes7Yes10Limited13
Antifungal activityYes1, 3, 4, 5Some evidence7Some evidence10Some evidence13
Helps maintain scalp hygienePotential1, 3, 4Potential7Potential9, 10Supportive11, 13
Natural botanical ingredientYes1Yes7Yes10Yes11
Hormone-freeYesYesYesYes
Suitable for hair oilYes, properly diluted1, 5Yes, diluted6, 7Yes, diluted9, 10Yes11, 12
Safety profileDilution/appropriate concentration important1, 5Generally diluted; irritation possible6, 7Dilution recommended9, 10Generally well tolerated11, 12
Common issuesIrritation/sensitization at higher concentrations1, 5Possible scalp irritation6, 7Possible irritation/sensitivity9, 10Can feel heavy/greasy or cause buildup11, 12
References
  1. Ulanowska M, Olas B. Biological Properties and Prospects for the Application of Eugenol—A Review. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2021;22(7):3671.
  2. Barboza JN, et al. An Overview on the Anti-inflammatory Potential and Antioxidant Profile of Eugenol. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity. 2018;2018:3957262.
  3. Marchese A, et al. Antimicrobial Activity of Eugenol and Essential Oils Containing Eugenol: A Mechanistic Viewpoint. Critical Reviews in Microbiology. 2017;43(6):668–689.
  4. Hu Q, Zhou M, Wei S. Progress on the Antimicrobial Activity Research of Clove Oil and Eugenol in the Food Antisepsis Field. Journal of Food Science. 2018;83(6):1476–1483.
  5. Fu Y, et al. Antifungal Activity of the Clove Essential Oil from Syzygium aromaticum on Candida, Aspergillus and Dermatophyte Species. Journal of Medical Microbiology. 2009;58:1454–1462.
  6. Panahi Y, et al. Rosemary oil vs minoxidil 2% for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: a randomized comparative trial. Skinmed. 2015;13(1):15–21.
  7. Nieto G, Ros G, Castillo J. Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis, L.): A Review. Medicines. 2018;5(3):98.
  8. Borges RS, et al. Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil: A review of its phytochemistry, anti-inflammatory activity, and mechanisms of action involved. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2019;229:29–45.
  9. Oh JY, Park MA, Kim YC. Peppermint Oil Promotes Hair Growth without Toxic Signs. Toxicological Research. 2014;30(4):297–304.
  10. Xu H, et al. Peppermint essential oil: its phytochemistry, biological activity, pharmacological effect and application. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy. 2022;153:113559.
  11. Rele AS, Mohile RB. Effect of mineral oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil on prevention of hair damage. Journal of Cosmetic Science. 2003;54(2):175–192.
  12. Davis MG, et al. Hair Cosmetics for the Hair Loss Patient. International Journal of Trichology. 2021.
  13. Zainodin EL, Rashidi NF, Abdul Mutalib H, Ishak B, Ghazali AR. Antioxidant Properties of Virgin Coconut Oil and its Cytotoxicity Towards Human Keratinocytes. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part A. 2024.

06 / Botanical

Licorice Root in Soothing Skin-Care Formulations

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) contains compounds such as glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid that may help calm skin inflammation, reduce redness, and soothe irritation. A small clinical trial reported improvement in atopic dermatitis (eczema) with a licorice gel.

Function / mechanismLicorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)Centella asiaticaChamomile (Matricaria spp.)
Principal anti-inflammatory constituentsGlycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid3Asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid4α-Bisabolol, chamazulene, and apigenin5
Anti-inflammatory activitySupported by laboratory research and a small human trial of licorice gel2, 3Supported by experimental studies of selected extracts and triterpenes4Supported by experimental research, including topical application in animals5
Mechanism of actionGlycyrrhetinic acid can help calm inflammation signals in the skin3Triterpenes may influence inflammation signals and cytokine responses4Selected constituents may help calm inflammation signals5
Effect on redness and irritationLicochalcone A, from a related licorice species (G. inflata), reduced redness in human studies; direct evidence for G. glabra root extract is limited1Supported mainly by experimental and formulation-specific evidence4Soothing and redness-reducing effects are supported mainly by animal research5
Evidence in inflammatory skin conditionsA small clinical trial reported improvement in atopic dermatitis (eczema) symptoms with licorice gel2Investigated for inflammatory skin conditions and wound healing; evidence varies by extract and use4Human evidence for skin conditions is limited; the cited study was conducted in animals5
Strength of human evidenceLimited to small or preparation-specific studies; broader clinical confirmation is needed1, 2Mostly preclinical or formulation-specific4Clinical evidence is more limited than experimental evidence5
Safety profileGenerally well tolerated; occasional irritation or allergic reactions may occur2, 3Generally suitable for topical use, but irritation and allergic contact dermatitis are possible; safety depends on extract quality, concentration, and formulation4Generally tolerated, but allergic contact dermatitis is possible, particularly in people sensitive to the daisy (Asteraceae) family5
Common considerationsEffects depend on the licorice species, extract composition, and concentration1–3Effects depend on the extract, its standardization, and concentration4Essential oils and concentrated extracts may irritate sensitive skin; botanical allergy history should be considered5
References
  1. L. Kolbe et al., “Anti-Inflammatory Efficacy of Licochalcone A: Correlation of Clinical Potency and in Vitro Effects” Archives of Dermatological Research, vol. 298, no. 1, pp. 23–30, Jun. 2006, doi: 10.1007/s00403-006-0654-4.
  2. M. Saeedi, K. Morteza‐Semnani, and M. R. Ghoreishi, “The Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis With Licorice Gel” Journal of Dermatological Treatment, vol. 14, no. 3, pp. 153–157, Sep. 2003, doi: 10.1080/09546630310014369.
  3. A. Kowalska and U. Kalinowska‐Lis, “18β‐Glycyrrhetinic Acid: Its Core Biological Properties and Dermatological Applications” International Journal of Cosmetic Science, vol. 41, no. 4, pp. 325–331, Jun. 2019, doi: 10.1111/ics.12548.
  4. W. Bylka, P. Znajdek-Awiżeń, E. Studzińska-Sroka, and M. Brzezińska, “Centella Asiatica in Cosmetology” Advances in Dermatology and Allergology, vol. 30, no. 1, pp. 46–49, Feb. 2013, doi: 10.5114/pdia.2013.33378.
  5. A. Tubaro, C. Zilli, C. Redaelli, and R. Della Loggia, “Evaluation of Antiinflammatory Activity of a Chamomile Extract After Topical Application” Planta Medica, vol. 50, no. 4, p. 359, Aug. 1984, doi: 10.1055/s-2007-969734.