Ingredient In Focus: Arnica
Arnica is a plant belonging to the Asteraceae family, which includes sunflowers. It has basal, downy green leaves and during spring/summer, Arnica produces bright yellow flowers, reminiscent of Daisies.
As a perennial herb with over 30 species, it is a staple in homeopathy and traditional folk medicine due to its various uses. Today, it is also beloved in personal care and cosmetics. The most common species, Arnica Montana, is considered to have the most significant health benefits: native to Europe, it thrives in alpine habitats at altitudes of up to 3000 m, in nutrient-poor acidic soils. To meet the ever-increasing demand, this plant is now commercially cultivated in Europe and Chile.¹
All parts of this yellow plant have been used in phytomedicine, however nowadays, the flowerheads are widely utilised under the name Arnica flower.²
The medicinal active compounds of Arnica
The flowerheads contain essential oil consisting of “sesquiterpenes, thymol derivatives, and further monoterpenes, as well as a plethora of flavone and flavonol aglycones and their glycosides, polyacetylenes, caffeic acid derivatives, coumarins, carotenoids, and fatty acids.”³
In short, they are packed with a variety of nutrients beneficial to (skin) health:
Sesquiterpene lactones — Arnica’s main bioactive constituent which has been tested and used in treatments relating to cardiovascular issues, and within the sesquiterpenes, helenalin is a compound that exhibits strong and potent anti-inflammatory properties. Helenalin plays a significant role in the fight against inflammation-causing cytokines.⁴
Flavonoids — antioxidant compounds that include quercetin, luteolin, tannins, and coumarin. The latter is a precursor chemical compound with anticoagulant properties, hence why Arnica is commonly found in topical gels, creams and oil products to treat swelling, bruises and sprains. It provides support and relief — from joint pains to insect bites.⁵
Carotenoids, the plant pigments that are high in antioxidants.
Essential oils such as thymol and its derivatives which are also high in antioxidants and combat inflammation.⁶ These thymol derivatives have been reported to have bactericidal and fungicidal properties.⁷
The outstanding benefits of Arnica in skincare
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, antimicrobial and antifungal properties, this remarkable plant can address a multitude of skin woes and is suitable for all skin conditions including sensitive and redness-prone — unless you have a known allergy or sensitivity to it.
As a potent antioxidant, Arnica contains this combination of flavonoids and sesquiterpene lactones that can promote soothing and skin renewal related to oxidative stress. As a healing ally, it brings additional support in reducing redness and soothing irritation. Its antibacterial and antifungal properties are particularly effective for acne treatments.
Arnica's anti-inflammatory properties combat swelling, blemishes and skin discoloration, speeding up the fading process. It can also soften the appearance of scars and marks for a more even skin tone. Since inflammation is one of the primary causes of premature skin aging, using Arnica can be beneficial.
One of Arnica's key strengths lies in its ability to boost circulation when applied topically. By promoting blood flow to the upper layers of the skin, it helps to deliver essential nutrients and oxygen to the cells, improving overall health while reducing inflammation. This is why Arnica is commonly used on wounds and bruises to speed up the healing process.
Arnica: one of the star ingredients in Scentiana’s collection
With all the outstanding properties listed above, it was clear that Arnica deserved to be integrated into our Sensual Body Oil and Reviving Face and Body Mist formulas. This powerhouse ingredient can contribute to improving blood flow and relax muscles, which also benefits the skin. It is crucial to remember that no system works alone and that our whole body is connected. By alleviating tension and contractions, Arnica plays a part in reducing the formation and appearance of tension folds and wrinkles.
We have thus combined this amazing ingredient with a myriad of potent botanical extracts in our Sensual Body Oil: lymph-boosting Calendula, stimulating Damiana, adaptogenic Ashwagandha, photoprotective Saffron flower, nourishing red marine Algae, uplifting Jasmine and toning Damask Rose. Together, these ingredients work synergistically and efficiently to soothe, nourish, invigorate, and maintain the skin’s elasticity and firmness. In our Reviving Face and Body Mist, Arnica is the perfect addition to a blend of Rose hydrolat, Wild Indigo and Hyaluronic Acid.
In summary, incorporating Arnica into our formulas was a natural and obvious choice, given its soothing, regenerating and protective effects. It helps inhibit inflammatory responses that can manifest in the form of redness, discomfort, loss of elasticity, and damaged skin tissues.
To discover our Sensual Body Oil in-depth head over to our journal post (here) and our product page (here). For the Reviving Face and Body Mist, it’s here.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only. Always check with your medical provider if you have health issues. Pregnant or nursing individuals should avoid products with Arnica Montana Flower due to lack of data and studies for pregnancy and breastfeeding subjects.⁸
¹ https://www.gaiaherbs.com/blogs/seeds-of-knowledge/arnica
² https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10609804/
³ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10609804/
⁴ https://www.healthyhildegard.com/history-of-arnica/
⁵ https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/13/21/3112
⁶ https://www.gaiaherbs.com/blogs/seeds-of-knowledge/arnica