Are there any contraindications regarding the use of lemon verbena on the skin?

Thelemon verbena hydrosol (INCI: Lippia Citriodora Leaf Water) is obtained through hydrodistillation of the plant's flowers. It presents itself as a colorless liquid, with a characteristic lemony scent. Lemon verbena floral water is found in numerous skin and hair care products due to its various virtues.

• Antioxidant properties.

  UV rays, pollution, stress... these are all factors that contribute to the production of free radicals. Once generated, these radicals attack DNA and cells, promoting skin aging, skin dullness, and the emergence of white hair. Lemon verbena hydrosol, being an ingredient rich in antioxidants, its topical application helps the skin and scalp to eliminate them.

• Anti-inflammatory effects.

  Lemon verbena hydrosol can be used to alleviate redness or itching, on the skin or the scalp. It contains several molecules with anti-inflammatory properties, such as geranial, capable of inhibiting the activity of NLRP3, an inflammasome complex that triggers the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Thus, lemon verbena floral water has a soothing effect on mild discomfort.

• Antimicrobial activity.

  The hydrosol of lemon verbena has the ability to inhibit the communication capacity of certain bacteria through molecular mediators (quorum sensing). Among these bacteria, we find Cutibacterium acnes, which is partly responsible for acne. Thus, the floral water of lemon verbena is highly appreciated by individuals prone to blemishes.

• It is sometimes suggested that lemon verbena hydrosol has the ability to reduce overproduction of sebum by the sebaceous glands, which leads to shiny skin and oily hair, due to the linalool it contains. However, no scientific study on this botanical extract has so far demonstrated this property. Furthermore, the concentration of linalool in lemon verbena floral water is very low (≈ 1%) and may be insufficient to induce such an effect.

• A tightening and anti-stretch mark effect?

  Some sources claim that lemon verbena hydrosol would act on purple stretch marks and skin sagging. However, no scientific study to date has demonstrated that the topical application of lemon verbena hydrosol has effects on these issues.