Arnica

What is Arnica and where does it come from?

Arnica or Arnica Montana is a perennial herbaceous plant in the sunflower family known for its characteristically large, yellow flower head. The arnica mountain flowers of the plant contain the most arnicin hence are the preferred segment that is dried and infused as fatty arnica oil that is then generally blended into topical formulas. Arnica is native to Europe and found naturally in mountainous regions across North America.

Why do our brands use arnica in their products?

Paula from Whitfords uses Arnica in their barrier cream - Arnica & Capuacu Moisturiser - to soothe, condition and calm the skin. While Mariana from Silvan Skincare uses Arnica to reduce inflammation and soothe overused muscles and joints in their Recover and Revive Body Oils and Muscle Balm. 

What are the benefits of arnica?

Arnica oil helps minimise the appearance of redness, assists with irritation and can soothe, calm and condition the skin. It has many properties including antiseptic, astringent, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-coagulant, circulation-stimulating, and healing. It helps relax tired and overworked muscles and joints after strenuous physical activity or even more simply, after a stressful day. It can also help repair damaged skin and calm reddened and/or inflamed skin. It was traditionally used as an ointment to treat contusions, bruises, and hematoma and has been used for centuries as a home remedy to help wounds, scrapes, bruises, swelling, muscle pain, rheumatic pain and inflammation. 

What skin types is arnica suitable for?

Arnica is considered excellent for acne skin as it is antiseptic, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory and on the body, can be used on all skin types to relieve tension and muscular aches and pains.

Avoid if…

Arnica is quite a powerhouse and some people could be sensitive to the plant so best to test before use and to avoid excessively repetitive applications to avoid inflammation.

What type of products will you find arnica in?

Arnica is often found in topical body balms, creams and oils that soothe and help muscle recovery.

What is the INCI Name for Arnica

Arnica Montana Flower Extract

Shop natural skincare with arnica

Sources

• Winter, Ruth. A Consumer's Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients, 7th Edition. Potter/Ten Speed/Harmony/Rodale.  

• Milady Skincare and Cosmetic Ingredients Dictionary 4th Edition; M. Varinia Michalun, Joseph C. Dinardo

• An Atlas of Natural Beauty: Botanical ingredients for retaining and enhancing beauty L'Officine Universelle Buly

• Practical Aromatherapy - The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Choosing, Massaging and Relaxing with Essential Oils. Penny Rich

Whilst we hope the pages are informative it’s important to remember we’re organic beauty enthusiasts not scientists so the information is detailed here to the best of our knowledge or research we have conducted from third parties.  Whilst we are continually updating our content based on new research, it may not always be up to date and as such it is the readers’ responsibility to conduct their own research in order to independently verify the information and make an informed decision on their beauty regime/lifestyle. Any opinion expressed on the efficacy of a product is based on tests performed by our team. As everyone has different skin types and concerns, please be advised that what works for them might not work for you but we try to give as much subjective information as possible which we hope you will find useful. If in any doubt, please consult a medical professional.