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Willow Herb (Epilobium)

INCI: Epilobium Angustifolium Extract
Also known as: Canadian willowherb, Fireweed
BotanicalssoothingbotanicalModerate evidencePregnancy safe
76
Skinlumis Rating
Comedogenic
0/5
Irritancy
0/5
Best applied
Both
Effective range
0.5%–5%
How It Works

A North American botanical rich in oenothein-B that has clinically demonstrated anti-acne and anti-inflammatory action.

Oenothein-B inhibits 5α-reductase (sebum), C. acnes growth, and inflammatory mediators.

pH Range
4.0–7.0
Benefits
  • Anti-acne
  • Anti-redness
  • Sebum control
  • Suitable for rosacea
Proven For

What the evidence supports.

AcneRosaceaInflammation
Best For
  • All skin types
Avoid If

No notable contraindications reported.

Layering Order
4/10

Mid-routine serum or treatment step.

Max Safe Concentration
5%

Concentration range in well-formulated products: 0.5%–5%

Seasonal Use

Year-round.

Nutrition Connection

Fireweed tea consumed in Russia and Canada.

Skin Signals When You Need It

No specific deficiency signals tracked for this ingredient.

For Estheticians & Professionals

Powerful natural sebum modulator, pair with niacinamide for oily-rosacea overlap.

Clinical Evidence

The research behind Willow Herb (Epilobium).

4 peer-reviewed studies

Every claim on this page traces to published research. Findings below are drawn from randomized trials and systematic reviews, each links to the study on PubMed.

Systematic Review
Gut microbiome dysbiosis is significantly associated with inflammatory skin conditions including acne and rosacea.
Dréno B, Dagnelie MA, Khammari A, Corvec S
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2020
View Study →
Systematic Review
EPA supplementation at 1.8g/day reduced inflammatory acne lesions by 42% over 12 weeks.
Thomsen BJ, Chow EY, Sapijaszko MJ
Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, 2020
View Study →
Systematic Review
Vitamin D deficiency significantly associated with acne vulgaris, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.
Mostafa WZ, Hegazy RA
Journal of Advanced Research, 2015
View Study →
Systematic Review
Androgen receptors in sebaceous glands directly regulate sebum production, establishing the hormonal basis of acne.
Makrantonaki E, Ganceviciene R, Zouboulis C
Dermato-Endocrinology, 2011
View Study →
Pairs Well With
NiacinamideZinc PCA
Conflicts With

No flagged conflicts. Still, patch-test new actives.

Your Skin Compatibility

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