Feverfew

History and origin:

Valued in folklore medicine for centuries as an herbal treatment for fever and headache, topical skin care products containing feverfew can help in reducing the appearance of facial redness and skin irritation. Purified Feverfew Extract delivers high antioxidant and anti‐irritant benefits. When applied topically, these formulations significantly reduce the appearance of redness and irritation.

Composition and activity:

Purified Feverfew Extract (PFE) is a water extract from tanacetum parthenium. It is enriched in water hydrophillic flavonoids: (Apigenin 7‐glucuronide, Apigenin 7‐diglucuronide, Apigenin 7‐glucosylglucuronide, Luteolin 7‐ glucuronide, Luteolin 7‐glucoside, Chrysoeriol 7‐glucuronide). Scientists for the Aveeno® Brand have demonstrated that the Purified Feverfew Extract has highly effective anti‐irritant and antioxidant activity to help protect skin from the numerous aggressors that challenge skin daily.

Formulation challenges:

Botanical extracts such as feverfew can have inherent odour and colour that impact the finished product aesthetics.

Scientists for the Aveeno® Brand have been able to chemically identify bioactive components of the feverfew plant and separate that fraction to minimize potential odour and colour. This refinement permits Purified Feverfew Extract to be formulated without added fragrances. Feverfew also requires a careful handling to assure that the activity of the extract is delivered to the skin.