viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" width="20" height="20" aria-hidden="true"> Yarrow Extract

ACHILLEA MILLEFOLIUM (YARROW) EXTRACT
Plant-based extract from the composite family (Asteraceae)

ACHILLEA MILLEFOLIUM (YARROW) EXTRACT is obtained from the flowers and herb of common yarrow through aqueous or alcoholic extraction. Learn everything about its origin, effect, and the best application in your daily care routine.

INCI: ACHILLEA MILLEFOLIUM EXTRACT  |  CAS: 84082-83-7  |  Also known as: Yarrow Extract, Yarrow Extract, Achillea Extract, Milfoil Extract, Common Yarrow, Common Yarrow
Substance Class Plant-based extract from the composite family (Asteraceae)
INCI Name ACHILLEA MILLEFOLIUM EXTRACT
CAS Number 84082-83-7
Quality EU Cosmetics Regulation compliant

What is ACHILLEA MILLEFOLIUM (YARROW) EXTRACT?

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is one of the oldest medicinal plants in Europe and was already valued in antiquity as a wound healer – the name Achillea goes back to the Greek hero Achilles, who is said to have treated his wounded warriors with it. The extract is obtained from flowers and herb and contains a complex spectrum of active ingredients consisting of flavonoids (apigenin, luteolin), sesquiterpene lactones (achillicin), and azulenes, which are responsible for the characteristic blue color of high-quality extracts. In modern cosmetics, yarrow is used particularly for sensitive skin prone to redness – its anti-inflammatory and vessel-stabilizing properties make it a gentle alternative for rosacea and reactive skin. The astringent tannins also regulate sebum production and refine the complexion for blemished, oily skin.

Where does ACHILLEA MILLEFOLIUM (YARROW) EXTRACT come from?

Obtained from the flowers and herb of common yarrow through aqueous or alcoholic extraction. Known in European folk medicine since antiquity as a wound healer – the Latin name 'Achillea' refers to the legend that Achilles used it to treat his warriors. The botanical name is Achillea millefolium (Family: Asteraceae (composite family)). Used: Flowers and herb. Main origin regions: Europe, North America, Asia (temperate zones). In modern cosmetics, extraction and processing are subject to strict quality standards in accordance with the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009. RAU Cosmetics only sources cosmetic-quality raw materials from audited suppliers.

How does ACHILLEA MILLEFOLIUM (YARROW) EXTRACT work at the cellular level?

Contains flavonoids (especially apigenin and luteolin), which have anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting NF-κB and cyclooxygenase enzymes. The contained sesquiterpene lactones (achillicin, achillin) modulate histamine release from mast cells and thus have an anti-allergic effect. Azulene, a degradation product of chamazulene precursors, promotes epithelialization and accelerates wound healing by stimulating keratinocyte proliferation.

Dosage & Regulation

Typical usage concentration: 0.5-3% in face creams and serums, 1-5% in soothing masks and after-sun products

How it works on your skin

Anti-inflammatory & Soothing

The flavonoids apigenin and luteolin block the NF-κB signaling pathway, reducing the production of inflammatory mediators such as TNF-α and interleukin-6. Sesquiterpene lactones additionally inhibit the degranulation of mast cells, thereby reducing histamine-mediated inflammatory reactions. Ideal for sunburn, redness, or reactive skin after treatments.

Wound Healing Promoting

Azulene and pro-azulenes stimulate keratinocyte proliferation and accelerate the re-epithelialization of damaged skin areas. Tannins have an astringent effect and promote wound closure through protein precipitation. Traditionally used for minor skin irritations, micro-injuries after peels, or scratched blemishes.

Antibacterial & Clarifying

Essential oils such as α-pinene, β-pinene, and camphor show antimicrobial activity against skin bacteria, especially Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus aureus. The astringent tannins tighten pores and regulate sebum secretion, thereby preventing blemishes.

Vessel Stabilizing

Flavonoids strengthen capillary walls through collagen cross-linking and reduce vascular permeability. This reduces flush reactions and couperose symptoms. The inhibition of vasodilators such as substance P and CGRP makes the extract particularly valuable for rosacea-prone skin.

Antioxidative

Polyphenols and flavonoids act as radical scavengers against ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) generated by UV radiation, environmental pollution, or inflammatory processes. This protects cell membranes and DNA from oxidative damage and slows down premature skin aging.

Who is it for?

Sensitive skin

Anti-inflammatory sesquiterpene lactones reduce redness and soothe over-reactive skin, while azulene regenerates irritated skin areas.

Rosacea-prone skin

Apigenin and luteolin inhibit vasodilation and reduce flush reactions by inhibiting vasodilators such as substance P.

Blemished skin

Antibacterial effect against Propionibacterium acnes through essential oils (α-pinene, camphor) and astringent tannins regulate sebum production.

Stressed skin

Acts as an antioxidant against oxidative stress through flavonoids and supports barrier function during environmentally caused damage.

In your routine

Morning: Soothing Tonic

After cleansing, apply a toner with yarrow extract (1-2 sprays or with a pad). Soothes the skin and optimally prepares it for serums.

Evening: Regenerating Serum

Apply 2-3 drops of a serum with 1-2% yarrow extract to cleansed skin. Especially suitable after retinol treatments or for irritation from active ingredients.

SOS Mask for Redness

Apply a soothing mask with 3-5% yarrow extract for 10-15 minutes 1-2 times a week. Reduces acute inflammation and rosacea flare-ups.

After-Sun Care

Apply cooling gels or lotions with yarrow extract thickly to sun-irritated skin. The anti-inflammatory effect relieves sunburn symptoms.

Storage: Yarrow extract is relatively stable, but the blue-coloring azulenes can fade with prolonged light exposure. Products should therefore be stored in opaque packaging (violet glass, airless dispensers). The extract is pH-stable in the range 4-7 and heat-resistant up to approx. 60°C.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use yarrow extract if I am allergic to the composite family?

Persons with a known allergy to the composite family (e.g., chamomile, arnica, calendula) should be careful, as cross-reactions are possible. Allergenic sesquiterpene lactones are often present in lower concentrations in extracts than in essential oils, but a patch test on the forearm 24 hours before the first application is recommended. If itching, redness, or swelling occurs, the product should not be used.

Why is yarrow extract often blue colored?

The characteristic blue color is caused by azulene or chamazulene, which is formed from colorless precursors (proazulenes) during steam distillation. These azulenes are not only responsible for the color but also for the strong anti-inflammatory effect. Highly concentrated extracts can therefore have an intense blue color – a quality mark, not a defect.

Can yarrow extract help with acne or does it worsen blemishes?

Yarrow extract is definitely helpful for blemished skin: the antibacterial effect against P. acnes reduces inflammation, while tannins refine pores and regulate excess sebum. Unlike comedogenic oils, the aqueous extract does not clog pores. For very oily skin, however, formulations containing the extract in light gels or tonics should be preferred over rich creams.

How does yarrow extract differ from chamomile extract?

Both belong to the Asteraceae family and contain similar active ingredients (flavonoids, azulenes), but yarrow has higher concentrations of sesquiterpene lactones and astringent tannins, which makes it more effective for oily, blemished skin. Chamomile primarily has a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect, while yarrow additionally has vessel-stabilizing and astringent properties – therefore better for rosacea and enlarged pores.

Can I combine yarrow extract with Vitamin C or retinol?

Yes, very well indeed: yarrow extract can mitigate the skin irritations that sometimes occur with Vitamin C (especially ascorbic acid) or retinol. The antioxidative flavonoids also stabilize Vitamin C and extend its effectiveness. Ideally, use yarrow in the evening after retinol or in the morning together with Vitamin C to prevent redness.

Discover the Power of ACHILLEA MILLEFOLIUM (YARROW) EXTRACT

Find the right RAU Cosmetics product for your individual skin care routine.

Discover all active ingredients