Common Name(s): Stinging nettle extract,common nettle extract

CAS Number: 84012-40-8

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides beta-sitosterol anti-androgenic and anti-inflammatory activity for hair loss and acne-prone skin.

Why It's Used: Anti-androgenic herb for hair loss and acne formulations with beta-sitosterol 5-alpha-reductase inhibition and anti-inflammatory quercetin activity.

How It Works: Beta-sitosterol inhibits 5-alpha-reductase type i and ii for dht reduction. quercetin and kaempferol provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. caffeic acid provides antioxidant and mild antimicrobial activity. chlorophyll provides conditioning and deodorizing.

Typically Found In: Anti-hair loss products,anti-acne formulations,anti-androgenic skin care

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – soothing / anti-inflammatory

Secondary Functions: Redness reduction,anti-inflammatory,calming

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–5%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – from urtica dioica leaves

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Plant-derived extract or synthetic.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; ideal for reactive and sensitive skin.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes – particularly recommended for sensitive skin

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Ceramides,panthenol,allantoin,hyaluronic acid,centella asiatica

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Nettle's paradox as a topical ingredient is that the same plant that causes severe stinging on contact (from formic acid, histamine, and serotonin in the hollow stinging hairs) provides significant anti-inflammatory activity when properly extracted without the stinging compounds. aqueous or ethanolic extracts carefully filtered to remove the stinging hairs retain only the beneficial leaf polyphenol and sterol content without any stinging properties.

Last Verified: 2026-03-12

Primary Sources: Cosing database,chrubasik et al. urtica review