Quick answer

Rich in vitamins A, C, and E plus the “super antioxidant” glutathione; Source of skin-beneficial minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids; Contains genistein, which helps rejuvenate skin that has become lax/crepey; Purslane’s beneficial components address numerous skin concerns, including wrinkles and other signs of aging; Comes from a weed-like succulent plant Key benefits: Anti-Aging, Soothing, Hydration.

Portulaca Oleracea Extract

Updated

Portulaca Oleracea Extract is an extract of the whole plant of the Purselane, Portulaca oleracea L., Portulacaceae

Purpose

Potent antioxidant with skin-soothing, anti-wrinkle benefits. Also delivers beneficial minerals for skin. Has the potential to help skin that has become lax/crepey.

Rating

BEST

Category

Antioxidant, Plant Extracts

INCI Purpose

SKIN CONDITIONING

Benefits

Anti-Aging — Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Soothing — Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin
Hydration — Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy

Alternative Names

At a Glance

Rich in vitamins A, C, and E plus the “super antioxidant” glutathione

Source of skin-beneficial minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids

Contains genistein, which helps rejuvenate skin that has become lax/crepey

Purslane’s beneficial components address numerous skin concerns, including wrinkles and other signs of aging

Comes from a weed-like succulent plant

Article

Portulaca oleracea extract comes from a weed-like succulent plant commonly known as purslane. This golden or green-colored plant has skin-soothing properties and is a potent antioxidant thanks to its high amounts of vitamins A (as beta-carotene), C, and E (alpha-tocopherol) as well as other antioxidant compounds such as glutathione. The antioxidants in purslane work to address numerous skin concerns, including wrinkles and other signs of aging.

Purslane is also a very good source of skin-beneficial minerals like potassium, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorous, plus omega-3 fatty acids, amino acids, and hydrating sugars known as polysaccharides.

Another beneficial component of purslane is its genistein content, which can help rejuvenate skin that has become lax and crepey.

Although not commonly consumed as part of most Western diets, the nutritional profile of this plant ranks it as a true superfood. Ongoing research is consistently showing this plant has remarkable benefits for the skin and body.

Recommended usage levels of Portulaca oleracea in skin care ranges from 1–3% of the pure plant and 1–5% if it’s part of a blend. It is not known to be irritating or otherwise problematic for skin, although a formal safety assessment of this plant has yet to be conducted. Fun fact: Purslane is native to India and Persia but is naturally found in regions all over the world including Asia, Africa, America, Europe and Australia. It also has a history of use in Chinese and Korean medicine.

See: Purslane

References

Food Chemistry, August 2019, pages 239-245 Journal of Pharmacopuncture, March 2019, pages 7-15 Antioxidants, August 2017, pages 1-9 American Journal of Translational Research, May 2016, pages 2, 138-2, 148 BioMed Research International, January 2015, pages 1-11 Journal of Ethnopharmacology, July 2001, pages 171–176; and December 2000, pages 445-451