Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) is a plant extract rich in rosmarinic acid and other polyphenols, used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. It is also studied topically for antiviral activity, particularly against herpes simplex.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | May occur in individuals sensitized to plants in the Lamiaceae (mint) family. |
Skin irritation or redness | Rare | Mild localized irritation possible, especially with concentrated extracts or essential oil forms. |
Photosensitivity | Very rare | Rarely reported; generally considered low risk compared with citrus-derived botanicals. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.