The Science of Edelweiss Flower in Skin Care

Edelweiss, scientifically known as Leontopodium alpinum, is a star-shaped flower native to the rugged terrains of the European Alps. It is known for its ability to withstand some of the world’s harshest conditions, making it an extremely resilient plant. The same compounds that give edelweiss its ability to thrive in such harsh climates have also been found to benefit the skin in many ways when used topically.

Learn more about what edelweiss flower is, its benefits and safety, and where to find it in skin care in this comprehensive guide. 

Edelweiss is a perennial plant characterized by its woolly white blossoms and star-like appearance. Its name, derived from German, translates to “noble white,” reflecting its long-standing use as a cultural symbol of love, purity, and resilience. In fact, the edelweiss flower is considered a badge of bravery for those who climb high mountains to pick it.

This rare flower thrives in some of the world’s harshest environments, enduring freezing temperatures, intense ultraviolet (UV) radiation, strong winds, and nutrient-poor soil. To survive these extremes, edelweiss has evolved to produce a long list of protective compounds that shield it from damage. These very same compounds are what make it so beneficial in skin care formulations. Edelweiss flower is often included in topical formulations to help repair and protect damaged skin.

Although edelweiss flower is rare in nature, the plants used in skin care are often cultivated sustainably, giving us the ability to benefit from it without harming wild populations.

Edelweiss has adapted to such harsh conditions by producing large amounts of very strong antioxidants. Some of its most notable antioxidant and other active compounds include:

• Leontopodic acids A and B. These are unique and rare antioxidants that are found only in edelweiss. They protect skin cells from oxidative damage caused by UV radiation and free radicals, helping to slow signs of aging while supporting DNA repair (4).

• Chlorogenic acid and dicaffeoylquinic acid. These are polyphenolic antioxidants that neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation. Chlorogenic acid has been shown to soothe irritated skin and enhance the skin’s ability to recover from environmental damage, such as pollution and sun exposure (5).

• Luteolin. Luteolin is a natural flavonoid with anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to calm irritated skin, reduces redness, and provides antioxidant protection.

• Glucosides. Edelweiss flower contains several types of glucosides, which are plant-based sugars that have moisturizing and soothing properties. These compounds help to stabilize the skin’s barrier and improve hydration.

• Bisabolane derivatives. Bisabolane derivatives are anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial compounds that help to reduce redness, calm irritation, and protect the skin from harmful microorganisms.

• Beta-sitosterol. Beta-sitosterol is a plant sterol that reinforces the skin barrier and locks in moisture.

Edelweiss flower offers a range of benefits for the skin, including:

• Strong antioxidant protection. Research shows that the  antioxidants in edelweiss flower, particularly its leontopodic acids, are more effective than vitamin C in scavenging free radicals (4). This makes it a powerful ingredient for reducing oxidative stress, preventing collagen breakdown, and protecting against premature skin aging.
  
• Anti-inflammatory properties. Edelweiss flower suppresses the expression of inflammatory markers like COX-2 and iNOS, which are often elevated after UVB exposure (4). This reduces redness, irritation, and  inflammation . 
  
• Anti-aging effects . Studies have found that edelweiss flower increases collagen, improves elasticity, and reduces wrinkle depth by reducing an enzyme called  MMP-2, which breaks down collagen (4).
  
• Antibacterial effects. Edelweiss has natural antibacterial properties that may help to control acne-causing bacteria. Some studies have also found that edelweiss flower can be effective against E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, S. pneumoniae, and other widespread and resistant strains of bacteria (4).
• Skin barrier support. Edelweiss flower stimulates the activity of genes like keratin 15 that help to build and strengthen the skin’s protective outer layer. This reinforced barrier helps the skin hold onto moisture while protecting it from harmful factors like pollution and harsh weather.

When used topically, edelweiss flower is not known to cause any notable side effects.

According to the Environmental Working Group, this ingredient has a very strong safety profile and is listed as a 1 on a 1–10 scale for cancer risk, allergies, reproductive toxicity, and use restrictions.

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Board (CIR) does not currently have a report on edelweiss flower.

Because of its particularly strong antioxidant qualities, edelweiss flower is often included in antioxidant creams and serums, as well as anti-aging products. You may also find this ingredient listed as “Leontopodium Alpinum Callus Culture Extract” or LACCE on labels. This is the antioxidant extract from edelweiss flower.

Some top products that contain this powerhouse ingredient include:

The edelweiss flower is a powerhouse of antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, and protective compounds that can work wonders for your skin. Whether you’re looking to fight signs of aging, calm sensitive skin, or protect against pollution, edelweiss extract is a strong, versatile ingredient worth trying.

As always, however, remember that choosing the right skin care products and ingredients depends on your unique skin type. Take the Baumann Skin Type Quiz below to learn your skin type and find out if edelweiss is right for you.

1. Baumann L. Antiaging Ingredients in Ch. 37 of Baumann's Cosmetic Dermatology Ed 3. (McGraw Hill 2022)
2. Baumann, L. Ch. Cosmeceuticals and cosmetic Ingredients (McGraw Hill 2015)
3. Baumann, L. S. (2011). Edelweiss. Skin & Allergy News, 42(11), 24-25.
4. Cho WK, Kim HI, Kim SY, Seo HH, Song J, Kim J, Shin DS, Jo Y, Choi H, Lee JH, Moh SH. Anti-Aging Effects of Leontopodium alpinum (Edelweiss) Callus Culture Extract Through Transcriptome Profiling. Genes (Basel). 2020 Feb 21;11(2):230. doi: 10.3390/genes11020230. PMID: 32098197; PMCID: PMC7074254.
5. Girsang E, Ginting CN, Lister INE, Gunawan KY, Widowati W. Anti-inflammatory and antiaging properties of chlorogenic acid on UV-induced fibroblast cell. PeerJ. 2021 Jul 7;9:e11419. doi: 10.7717/peerj.11419. PMID: 34277144; PMCID: PMC8272460.
6. Paul, F., & Imfeld, D. (2021). Edelweiss Helps to Protect Against Glycation-related Skin Ageing. SOFW Journal (English version), 147(9).
7. Daniela, L., Alla, P., Maurelli, R., Elena, D., Giovanna, P., Vladimir, K., ... & Liudmila, K. (2012). Anti‐inflammatory effects of concentrated ethanol extracts of Edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum Cass.) callus cultures towards human keratinocytes and endothelial cells. Mediators of Inflammation, 2012(1), 498373.
8. Fischer, F., Zufferey, E., Bourgeois, J. M., Héritier, J., & Micaux, F. (2011). UV-ABC screens of luteolin derivatives compared to edelweiss extract. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, 103(1), 8-15.