As a skin enthusiast, my curiosity about skincare ingredients is never-ending, so when I first spotted purslane extract on one of my products, I scoured the internet to find out all about it. Shock and awe. This plant-derived compound is chocked-full of essential nutrients needed for healthy skin. So what does this compound has to do with skincare? We’re glad you asked. Stick around to find out what purslane is, where it comes from, how it can enhance your beauty routine, the benefits of using it, and who it’s best for.
What is purslane extract?
Purslane extract is derived from Portulaca oleracea, a weed-like succulent plant. Due to its rich content of minerals, vitamins, fatty acids, flavonoids, and proteins, it’s often added to anti-aging and skin-protecting products, addressing all skin types, including sensitive ones.[1] That said, purslane extract gives something to everyone while being gentle.
Read on to learn about what purslane extract can do for your skin.
Purslane extract benefits for skin
- Antioxidant: due to its high content of vitamins A and C, glutathione, and flavonoids, purslane is a potent antioxidant effective at combating oxidative stress and protecting skin against premature wrinkling.[2]
- Increases moisture: purslane is beneficial for those with dry skin as it is rich in tocopherol and omega 3-fatty acids. This also makes it a go-to for whoever wants less visible fine lines and a plump appearance.
- Encourages cell turnover: Purslane contains the highest content of vitamin A among green leafy vegetables, which is why it is good at speeding up cell turnover and promoting cellular repair.[3]
- Strengthens skin: zinc, magnesium, copper, and iron are all minerals contained in purslane extract. They strengthen the skin’s matrix, reinforce the barrier’s protective function and promote DNA repair.[4]
- Anti-inflammatory: purslane extract packs a bunch of flavonoids, plus vitamins C and E, which give it anti-inflammatory benefits that make it excellent for acne and damaged skin.
- Protects against UVB damage: UVB rays are responsible for sunburn and skin cancer, and purslane extract was found to protect the cells against UVB-induced damage, helping offset skin photoaging.[5][6]
How to use purslane extract for skin?
Purslane is added to various skincare products, but most often in moisturizers and serums. You can also spot it under the name of Portulaca Oleracea — the plant purslane extract comes from.
How to use purslane extract in skincare depends on the product at hand. If it’s a serum, use it after cleansing your skin, or if it’s a moisturizer, apply it after the serum. Due to its gentleness and versatility, purslane extract can be applied twice daily and paired with most skincare actives, including retinol, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and vitamin C. Purslane also plays well with hydrating and replenishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and peptides, boosting each other’s benefits.
Here are some of the best products that contain this wonder extract:
- Dermalogica UltraCalming Serum Concentrate
- Missha Super Aqua Snail Essential Moisturizer
- Benton Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel
- Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Water Toner Plus
Is purslane extract safe during pregnancy?
As a natural extract and skin-friendly ingredient, it shouldn’t pose any risk to using topical products with purslane extract during pregnancy. However, since no study confirms the safety of using topical purslane extract during pregnancy or breastfeeding, it’s best to talk to your doctor before adding it to your skincare routine.
Citations
Women’s Concepts uses reliable sources, including dermatologists’ insights, clinical trials, and scientific journals, to find accurate information and support all the facts shared in our articles. All statements and claims have clear and legit references. Read our editorial policy to learn more about our sources of information, our process of researching and fact-checking the content, and how our team strives to keep all articles updated, completed, and trustworthy.
- Zhou YX, Xin HL, Rahman K, Wang SJ, Peng C, Zhang H. Portulaca oleracea L.: a review of phytochemistry and pharmacological effects. Biomed Res Int. 2015.
- Journal of Medicinal Plants Research Vol. 5(9), pp. 1589-1563, Mohamed A. Dkhil, Ahmed E. Abdel Moniem, Saleh Al-Quraishy and Reda Awadallah Saleh, Antioxidant effect of purslane (Portulaca oleracea) and its mechanism of action
- Uddin MK, Juraimi AS, Hossain MS, Nahar MA, Ali ME, Rahman MM. Purslane weed (Portulaca oleracea): a prospective plant source of nutrition, omega-3 fatty acid, and antioxidant attributes.
- Rahimi VB, Ajam F, Rakhshandeh H, Askari VR. A Pharmacological Review on Portulaca oleracea L.: Focusing on Anti-Inflammatory, Anti- Oxidant, Immuno-Modulatory and Antitumor Activities. J Pharmacopuncture.
- Lee S, Kim KH, Park C, Lee JS, Kim YH. Portulaca oleracea extracts protect human keratinocytes and fibroblasts from UV-induced apoptosis. Exp Dermatol. 2014 Oct.
- Oh JH, Seo Y, Kong CS. Anti-photoaging effects of solvent-partitioned fractions from Portulaca oleracea L. on UVB-stressed human keratinocytes. J Food Biochem. 2019 Apr.
