Nettle leaf extract (Urtica dioica) is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and astringent properties, often included to calm irritation and address oily or acne-prone skin. It contains flavonoids, polyphenols, and minerals that may help reduce sebum and soothe the skin.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Contact dermatitis / skin irritation | Uncommon | Localized redness, itching, or stinging, more likely in sensitive or allergy-prone individuals. |
Allergic / urticarial reaction | Rare | Hypersensitivity to plant compounds may cause hives or rash; patients with known plant allergies are at higher risk. |
Mild transient stinging on application | Uncommon | Usually self-limiting; processed extracts lack the stinging hairs of raw nettle. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.