Petasites Vulgaris Leaf Extract

Also known as: Common Butterbur Leaf Extract

INCI: Petasites Vulgaris Leaf Extract | Function: Antioxidant, Soothing, Skin Conditioning | Type: Plant extract (Asteraceae family, butterbur)

What Is Petasites Vulgaris Leaf Extract?

Leaf extract of Petasites vulgaris, the common European butterbur. Similar to P. hybridus but with different sesquiterpene ratios. Historically used in European herbal medicine for skin conditions and wound healing. Must be PA-free for safe cosmetic use. Provides anti-inflammatory and soothing benefits.

Key Skin Benefits

+ Anti-inflammatory — helps calm redness and sensitive skin
+ Antioxidant protection — flavonoids and phenolic acids neutralize free radicals
+ Skin conditioning — provides moisturizing and softening effects
+ Traditional herbal use — centuries of documented medicinal application

Pros

+ Rich in bioactive compounds — petasin, fukinolic acid, flavonoids
+ Research-supported anti-inflammatory activity
+ Traditional use with modern formulation applications
+ Plant-derived — appeals to natural/botanical positioning

Cons

− Pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) risk — MUST use PA-free extracts only
− PA-free processing increases cost and limits supplier options
− Limited cosmetic-specific clinical studies
− Potential for contact allergy in sensitive individuals
− Regulatory scrutiny due to PA content in raw plant

Specifications

Property	Value
Usage Areas	Face, Body
Product Type	Leave-On, Rinse-Off
Source	Plant
Natural Level	Natural

Safety Ratings

Metric	Rating
Skin Sensitivity	2/5 (moderate — PA-free extracts are milder)
Comedogenic Rating	0/5
EWG Score	2/10

Regional Regulatory Limits

Region	Leave-on %	Rinse-off %	Status
EU (CosIng)	No limit	No limit	Allowed
US (CIR/FDA)	No limit	No limit	Allowed — CIR safe as used
Japan (MHLW)	No limit	No limit	Allowed
ASEAN	No limit	No limit	Allowed — follows EU
China (NMPA)	No limit	No limit	Allowed — listed in IECIC

Typical Usage % by Product Type

Product Type	Typical %
Soothing cream / serum	0.1–2%
Calming toner	0.05–1%

References

Thomet OA et al. (2002) — Petasites hybridus: pyrrolizidine alkaloid-free extracts. PMID: 11884275
Shimoda H et al. (2006) — Anti-allergic compounds from Petasites japonicus. PMID: 16792428
EU CosIng Database. https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/
INCIDecoder. https://incidecoder.com/

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