When you think of powerful skincare ingredients, your mind probably defaults to thinking of retinol, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or Vitamin C. But there’s another quiet powerhouse that deserves a closer look: purslane extract.
Used for centuries in traditional medicine and now backed by modern research, purslane (Portulaca oleracea) is rich in antioxidants, omega-3s, and anti-inflammatory compounds that support skin healing, hydration, and resilience. Ideal for sensitive or stressed out skin, it delivers powerful results while still being gentle.
Let’s explore what makes this humble plant a worthy addition to your skincare routine.
What Is Purslane Extract?
Purslane is a succulent herb found across the world—from gardens to sidewalks to traditional herbal pharmacies. While it’s sometimes dismissed as a weed, it’s actually considered a nutrient-dense superfood, packed with:
- Vitamins A, C, and E
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Glutathione and other antioxidants
- Anti-inflammatory compounds like alpha-linolenic acid and flavonoids
In skincare, purslane extract is created by harvesting the plant and processing it into a stable, bioavailable form for topical use.
How Is Purslane Extract Made for Skincare?
While there are many ways to process botanicals, most cosmetic-grade purslane extracts are created using a gentle solvent or water-based extraction method. This process pulls out the beneficial compounds (like flavonoids and polysaccharides) while minimizing impurities.
The result is a high-purity, vegan, and cruelty-free extract that plays well with sensitive skin and other actives.
Purslane is also well-tolerated in leave-on formulations, which makes it ideal for night creams, calming serums, and barrier-repair products.
Purslane Extract Benefits for Skin
The reason we love this ingredient isn’t because it’s trendy, it’s because it delivers results. Here's what the research (and our experience) tells us:
✅ Calms Irritation and Inflammation
Purslane extract helps reduce pro-inflammatory markers in the skin, making it ideal for those with redness, reactivity, or barrier-compromised skin.
✅ Promotes Healing and Post-Acne Repair
Studies have shown that purslane supports skin healing and may reduce oxidative stress in UV-damaged skin, making it a great option for recovery after acne or over-exfoliation.
✅ Strengthens the Skin Barrier
It enhances hydration, antioxidant enzyme activity, and collagen production in both lab and animal studies, key factors in resilient, balanced skin.
✅ Rich in Antioxidants
Purslane contains vitamin C, beta-carotene, glutathione, and other antioxidants that help protect skin from environmental stressors and premature aging.
🔬 May Activate Telomerase
Some preliminary studies suggest that purslane may activate telomerase, the enzyme responsible for maintaining telomere length (a marker of cellular aging).
In one 2021 study (PubMed 34998009), Portulaca oleracea was shown to support telomerase activity in animal models.
However, it’s important to note that these studies focused on oral consumption of purslane, not topical use. While exciting, the anti-aging implications are early-stage and not yet proven in skincare products.
Is Purslane Safe for Sensitive Skin?
Yes, and that’s one of the reasons we chose to include it as a key ingredient in Night C.A.P.
Purslane is gentle, non-irritating, and ideal for skin types that can’t tolerate fragrance, essential oils, or harsh actives. It’s especially helpful if you’re experiencing:
- Redness or reactivity
- Barrier damage
- Post-acne healing
- Inflammation from overuse of actives
Because it's a naturally soothing ingredient, purslane plays well in minimalist routines focused on strengthening rather than stripping.
How to Use Purslane Extract in Your Routine
Purslane works best when applied regularly—especially at night, when your skin goes into repair mode. You’ll find it in products like:
- Night creams
- Calming serums
- Barrier-repair moisturizers
- Sensitive skin treatments
It pairs beautifully with ingredients like:
- Niacinamide
- Colloidal oatmeal
- Allantoin
- Squalane
- Hyaluronic Acid
-
Ceramides
In Night C.A.P., purslane is combined with all of the above to give you an 8-in-1 multitasking formula that soothes, strengthens, and supports your skin barrier, without overwhelming your skin (or your shelf).
Side Effects of Purslane Extract on Skin
Purslane is generally considered very low risk, but as with any new ingredient:
- Always patch test first if you have extremely reactive skin
- Choose clean, fragrance-free formulas that avoid known irritants
When in doubt, less is more—and purslane fits beautifully into a minimalist routine focused on gentle results.
TL;DR
Purslane extract may not be flashy—but it's effective. Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, it helps calm, hydrate, and protect sensitive or compromised skin. And while some studies suggest it could support cellular aging at the DNA level, the most exciting benefits are already happening on the surface.
Whether you're healing post-acne, managing redness, or just looking for something that won’t cause flare-ups, purslane might be exactly what your skin needs.
Try Purslane in Night C.A.P.
If you’re curious about purslane but don’t want to overhaul your routine, we’ve made it easy. Night C.A.P. is our 8-in-1 night cream designed for sensitive skin, and it includes purslane, niacinamide, colloidal oatmeal, and other barrier-supporting ingredients.
