Arnica Extract — Allergy Risk & Safety Profile
INCI: ARNICA MONTANA FLOWER EXTRACT
Key Facts
- CAS Number
- 68990-11-4
- Category
- botanical
- Risk Level
- medium
- Common Allergen
- Yes
- Found In
- bruise cream, eye cream
Is Arnica Extract safe in cosmetics?
Arnica Extract is rated medium risk in cosmetic products. It is a known allergen that can cause contact dermatitis in sensitized individuals. Contains sesquiterpene lactones — common Asteraceae family allergen. Commonly found in bruise cream, eye cream.
What is Arnica Extract?
Used for bruising and inflammation. Sesquiterpene lactone content makes it a known allergen.
Allergy & Safety Information
Arnica Extract is generally safe for most people but may cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. If you experience redness, itching, or swelling after using a product with this ingredient, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist.
This ingredient carries moderate allergenicity risk. It can cause reactions in sensitised individuals but has a lower sensitisation rate than high-risk ingredients. Patch testing before full use is advisable for anyone with a history of cosmetic reactions.
About Botanical / Plant Extract Ingredients
Botanical extracts are derived from plants and used in cosmetics for their purported soothing, antioxidant, or active properties. However, the "natural" origin of botanicals does not make them inherently safe — plant extracts contain complex mixtures of compounds, some of which are potent allergens.
Relevance for Arnica Extract: Essential oil-containing botanicals (lavender, tea tree, citrus), Asteraceae family plants (chamomile, calendula, arnica), and propolis-containing extracts are among the most common botanical allergens. The processing method affects allergenicity: cold-pressed extracts retain more proteins than highly refined versions.
How to Identify Arnica Extract in Products
Cosmetic ingredients are listed by their INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) name in descending order of concentration. To check whether a product contains Arnica Extract, scan the ingredient list for its INCI name exactly as it appears above. Ingredients present at 1% or less may appear in any order after the 1% threshold.
Product types to prioritise checking: Bruise cream, Eye cream. These product categories are the most common sources of Arnica Extract exposure based on formulation data.
Not sure if your products contain Arnica Extract? Paste the ingredient list into the free ingredient checker to scan for Arnica Extract and other allergens automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arnica Extract safe for sensitive skin?
Arnica Extract may cause reactions in some sensitive individuals. Patch testing is advisable.
What products contain Arnica Extract?
Arnica Extract is commonly found in bruise cream, eye cream.
What does Arnica Extract do in cosmetics?
Arnica Extract functions as a botanical in formulations. Contains sesquiterpene lactones — common Asteraceae family allergen.
Related Guides
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How to Read Ingredient Labels
Decode INCI names and find hidden allergens in your products.
Find Your Skin Allergy Trigger
Step-by-step elimination method to identify your trigger.
Contact Dermatitis Guide
Symptoms, causes, patch testing, and treatment options.
Is Arnica Extract causing YOUR skin reactions?
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