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Nettle Leaf Extract
ORY® product lines:
☑ Skincare
☑ Haircare
☑ Handmade Soap (powder/infused oil; natural green)
☑ Cosmetics — full dual-use ingredient
Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) loses its sting when dried or extracted and becomes a mineral- and polyphenol-rich botanical with a long record in European herbal skin and hair care. The leaf contains chlorogenic and caffeic acids, quercetin and kaempferol flavonoids, chlorophyll, silica, and minerals that give it antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and astringent properties suited to oily and irritated skin [1, 2]. Nettle is one of the most traditional hair tonics in Europe, used for dandruff, oily scalps, and hair vitality; the root fraction has been studied for its effect on the enzyme 5α-reductase involved in hormone-related thinning [3]. Nettle’s multiple forms — water extract, infused oil, and powder — make it a four-line ORY® ingredient with a distinctive natural green.
What is Nettle Leaf Extract made of?
Nettle leaf extract is prepared by water, glycerin, or hydro-alcoholic extraction of dried leaves, or by drying leaves to powder or infusing them in oil. Constituents [1, 2]:
The stinging trichomes (histamine, formic acid) are destroyed by drying and extraction; cosmetic nettle does not sting.
- Phenolic acids (chlorogenic, caffeic, caffeoylmalic acid): Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
- Flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, rutin): Antioxidant; capillary-supporting.
- Chlorophyll and carotenoids: Green color; antioxidant.
- Silica and minerals (iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium): Traditional “strengthening” components for hair.
- Vitamins (A, C, K, B-complex): Nourishing.
- Lectins and lignans (root): Studied for 5α-reductase and scalp effects [3].
What skin type is best suited for Nettle Leaf Extract?
Nettle is an astringent, purifying botanical for oily and irritated skin:
- Oily: The core use — astringent tannins and sebum-balancing tradition.
- Acne-prone: Anti-inflammatory and mildly antimicrobial; supports clearer skin.
- Combination: Balances the T-zone in toners and gels.
- Sensitive: Anti-inflammatory flavonoids calm redness (extract does not sting).
- Normal: Antioxidant and purifying maintenance.
- Mature: Antioxidant protection; traditional “tonic” for tired skin.
- Dry: Use the infused oil rather than astringent water extract.
What hair type is best suited for Nettle Leaf Extract?
Nettle is one of Europe’s oldest hair tonics and remains a hero botanical in ORY® Haircare:
- Oily scalp: Astringent, sebum-balancing action; classic nettle shampoo indication.
- Dandruff-prone scalp: Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial support against flaking.
- Mature or thinning: Traditional hair tonic; root extract studied for 5α-reductase inhibition [3] (cosmetic claims only).
- Dry or damaged: Silica and minerals support strength and shine; infused oil conditions.
- Sensitive scalp: Calms irritation.
- Color-treated, straight, wavy, curly, coily: Strengthening and shine rinses for all textures.
What are the benefits of Nettle Leaf Extract?
Nettle leaf extract’s benefits are supported by phytochemical and pharmacological reviews [1–3]:
- Antioxidant: Phenolic acids and flavonoids scavenge free radicals [1].
- Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammatory mediators; calms irritation [2].
- Astringent and sebum-balancing: Tannins tighten and reduce surface oil.
- Antimicrobial: Activity against skin and scalp microbes.
- Hair strength and shine: Silica, minerals, and vitamins support the fiber (traditional).
- Scalp vitality: Root fraction affects 5α-reductase in laboratory studies [3].
- Anti-aging support: Reviewed as a source of anti-aging phytochemicals for cosmetics [1].
- Natural green color: Chlorophyll tints soap and cosmetics.
Dual use across ORY® product lines
Nettle’s water extract, powder, and infused oil cover all four ORY® lines.
Pros and cons of Nettle Leaf Extract
Pros
Cons
- Traditional hair-tonic heritage: Strong consumer recognition in Europe.
- Oily-skin and scalp specialist: Astringent and balancing.
- Mineral- and antioxidant-rich: Silica and polyphenols.
- Multi-form: Extract, powder, infused oil.
- Affordable and sustainable: Abundant wild and cultivated plant.
- Limited controlled clinical trials: Most evidence is traditional and laboratory-based.
- Astringency: Water extracts can be drying for dry skin.
- Color: Green-brown tint in light formulas.
- Root vs leaf confusion: 5α-reductase data relate mainly to the root; specify the part used.
- Rare allergy: Patch test.
What is the best application of Nettle Leaf Extract?
Nettle is a purifying skin ingredient and a classic scalp tonic:
- Purifying toner: AM/PM for oily, congested skin.
- Clay mask: Weekly with kaolin for oily skin.
- Antioxidant serum: Daily defense.
- Nettle-infused oil: For dry, irritated skin.
- Nettle shampoo: For oily, flaky scalps, 2–3 times weekly.
- Scalp tonic: Daily leave-in for thinning or oily scalps; pair with rosemary and caffeine.
- Hair rinse: Cooled nettle tea after shampooing for shine.
- Soap: Green nettle bar for oily body skin.
- Cosmetics: Oil-control primer.
Peer-reviewed references
- Bourgeois C, Leclerc ÉA, Corbin C, et al. Nettle (Urtica dioica L.) as a source of antioxidant and anti-aging phytochemicals for cosmetic applications. Comptes Rendus Chimie. 2016;19(9):1090–1100.
- Kregiel D, Pawlikowska E, Antolak H. Urtica spp.: ordinary plants with extraordinary properties. Molecules. 2018;23(7):1664.
- Chrubasik JE, Roufogalis BD, Wagner H, Chrubasik S. A comprehensive review on the stinging nettle effect and efficacy profiles. Part II: Urticae radix. Phytomedicine. 2007;14(7–8):568–579.
- Chrubasik JE, Roufogalis BD, Wagner H, Chrubasik SA. A comprehensive review on nettle effect and efficacy profiles. Part I: Herba urticae. Phytomedicine. 2007;14(6):423–435.
Disclaimer:
The information on this page is provided by ORY International, LC for educational purposes only. It summarizes published research about nettle leaf extract as an ingredient, including laboratory and animal studies and clinical studies of formulas that may differ from ORY® products. Results from these studies may not apply to every person or to ORY® products. This page is not medical advice and does not replace advice from a dermatologist, physician, or other qualified healthcare provider.
ORY® Skincare, Haircare, Handmade Soap, and Cosmetics products are cosmetics. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, mitigate, or prevent any disease or condition, including acne, dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, hair loss, or any skin or scalp condition. References to FDA or Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) findings describe the ingredient, not ORY® products, and do not mean FDA has reviewed or approved any ORY® product.
Results vary by skin and scalp type, formulation, and use. Dried and extracted nettle does not sting. Reactions are uncommon, but any cosmetic can cause irritation, sometimes from other ingredients. Always patch test, follow label directions, and stop use if irritation occurs. If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, consult a healthcare provider before use.
ORY International, LC works to keep this page accurate and current but makes no warranty as to its completeness. To the fullest extent permitted by law, ORY International, LC is not liable for any loss or injury arising from reliance on this information or from use of any product contrary to its label directions. To report a reaction, contact us at [insert contact email / phone].
