Quick answer

Saltwater-growing plant native to South Korea; Helps fade the look of dark spots; Powerful antioxidant; Helps support a strong barrier; Good source of minerals skin needs to be healthy Key benefits: Anti-Aging, Dark Spot Fading, Evens Skin Tone, Hydration.

Salicornia Herbacea Extract

Updated

Salicornia Herbacea Extract is an extract of the Jointed Glasswort, Salicornia herbacea L., Chenopodiaceae

Purpose

Saltwater plant whose oily extract offers impressive antioxidant ability and may help fade dark spots.

Rating

GOOD

Category

Antioxidant, Plant Extracts

INCI Purpose

SKIN CONDITIONING

Benefits

Anti-Aging — Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Dark Spot Fading — Fades hyperpigmentation and evens out dark spots over time
Evens Skin Tone — Brightens and balances complexion for a more uniform appearance
Hydration — Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy

Alternative Names

At a Glance

Saltwater-growing plant native to South Korea

Helps fade the look of dark spots

Powerful antioxidant

Helps support a strong barrier

Good source of minerals skin needs to be healthy

Article

Salicornia herbacea is an oily extract that comes from a saltwater-growing succulent plant native to the shores of South Korea. Limited research has shown this plant to be a very capable antioxidant on skin and in the body. It also seems to play a role in fading the appearance of dark spots, but more research is needed to propel this plant to the must-have list for those struggling with discolorations.

Specific to its antioxidant ability, it’s noteworthy that this plant has a protective effect on fibroblasts, cells within skin that make collagen.

This plant also plays a role in strengthening skin’s barrier by helping to increase urea, one of the substances comprising skin’s natural moisturizing factor, or NMF. In doing so, skin’s hydration is improved, and rough texture is diminished.

It’s a good source of potassium, sodium and calcium, minerals which play supportive roles in maintaining healthy skin.

The recommended usage level of Salicornia herbacea extract in skin care is 0.25–1% when used in a lipid carrier base.

Fun fact: this plant is edible and, due to where it grows best, has a fairly high salt content so is sometimes used to replace salt in certain foods.

References