The Science of Feverfew in Skin Care

Feverfew, or Tanacetum partheniumor Chrysanthemum parthenium, is a flowering plant that has been used in herbal medicine for centuries to treat inflammation-related conditions ranging from headaches to joint pain to menstrual cramps. In fact, the name “feverfew” is derived from the Greek word “febrifugia,” meaning “fever reducer.”

Today, feverfew is still used in teas and herbal supplements for a variety of medicinal purposes. It is also often used in skin care formulations for its strong anti-inflammatory properties, making it particularly helpful for those with sensitive skin. Learn more about this popular anti-inflammatory skin care ingredient to find out if it could be worth adding to your skin care regimen.

Feverfew is a medicinal herb native to Europe and parts of Asia but has since spread to North and South America. It belongs to the Asteraceae family, which includes daisies, chamomile, and sunflowers . The plant is characterized by its small, daisy-like white flowers with yellow centers and serrated green leaves that emit a strong, slightly bitter scent when crushed.

Historically, feverfew has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, particularly for treating migraines, fevers, and inflammatory conditions . Ancient Greek and Roman physicians prescribed it for pain relief, and it remains a well-known herbal remedy today.

In skincare, feverfew is often used for its potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties . It helps calm redness, neutralize free radicals, and protect against environmental stressors like pollution and UV damage. Because of these benefits, it is frequently used in serums, creams, and treatments formulated for sensitive or irritation-prone skin.

Notably, feverfew contains parthenolide , a powerful compound with both anti-inflammatory and skin-sensitizing effects. However, most feverfew extracts used in skincare are parthenolide-free to maximize benefits while reducing the risk of irritation.

The many active compounds in feverfew are what give it its strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. The most notable compounds in this plant include:

• Sesquiterpene lactones. A diverse group of bioactive compounds that provide anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects. These molecules help reduce the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and TNF-α, helping to calm inflamed or irritated skin.

• Parthenolide. A specific sesquiterpene lactone responsible for feverfew’s potent anti-inflammatory effects. Parthenolide inhibits a key protein complex involved in inflammatory responses. However, because parthenolide can also cause skin sensitivity, skincare formulations often use parthenolide-free feverfew extracts to minimize irritation.

• Flavonoids (luteolin, quercetin, and apigenin). These polyphenolic antioxidants scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS), preventing oxidative damage that contributes to premature aging and inflammation. Luteolin, in particular, has been shown to reduce histamine release, making it beneficial for calming redness and irritation (3).

• Phenolic acids (chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and ferulic acid). Potent antioxidants that protect the skin from UV-induced oxidative stress. Chlorogenic acid has also been found to inhibit matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which are enzymes that degrade collagen and accelerate skin aging (4)

• Volatile oils (camphor, borneol, and eugenol). These are naturally occurring aromatic compounds that have strong antimicrobial and soothing properties. These oils can help to control acne-causing bacteria while reinforcing the skin’s protective barrier.

Thanks to its many beneficial active compounds, feverfew in skin care can impart a number of benefits onto the skin:

• Antioxidant protection. Flavonoids and phenolic acids help to neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and preventing premature aging. Studies suggest that feverfew extracts can protect skin cells from UV damage and environmental stressors (5).
• Anti-inflammatory properties. Feverfew’s ability to suppress inflammatory markers helps to soothe redness, irritation, and sensitive skin conditions. Thus, it is often recommended for conditions like rosacea and eczema.
• Acne-fighting properties. Antimicrobial properties can help to reduce acne-causing bacteria, and its anti-inflammatory compounds can calm redness associated with acne.
• Skin barrier support. Feverfew helps to strengthen the skin’s protective barrier and may improve the skin’s resistance to external irritants and allergens (6).
• Skin brightening. The antioxidant properties of feverfew may help to fade dark spots and even out skin tone. It works by inhibiting oxidative stress that leads to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Feverfew comes with no major side effects, especially when parthenolide-free feverfew extract is used in skin care formulations.

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 this ingredient.

Many cleansers, moisturizers, serums and other skin care products aimed at reducing redness and inflammation contain feverfew extract. You may also find feverfew listed by the scientific names Tanacetum partheniumor Chrysanthemum partheniumon ingredient labels.

Feverfew has a long history of medicinal use for reducing inflammation, including for skin-related concerns like redness, irritation, and itching. It is important to note, however, that most skin care formulations use feverfew extract that does not contain parthenolide, as this compound can be irritating to some people.

If you have sensitive skin and are looking for anti-inflammatory ingredients that can offer soothing relief, consider feverfew.

Not sure what your skin type is? Take the quiz below to find out and learn the best ingredients for your unique skin.

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. Kimata, M., Inagaki, N., & Nagai, H. (2000). Effects of luteolin and other flavonoids on IgE-mediated allergic reactions. Planta medica, 66(01), 25-29.
4. Xue, N., Liu, Y., Jin, J., Ji, M., & Chen, X. (2022). Chlorogenic acid prevents UVA-induced skin photoaging through regulating collagen metabolism and apoptosis in human dermal fibroblasts. International journal of molecular sciences, 23(13), 6941.
5. Rodriguez, K. J., Wong, H. K., Oddos, T., Southall, M., Frei, B., & Kaur, S. (2013). A purified feverfew extract protects from oxidative damage by inducing DNA repair in skin cells via a PI3-kinase-dependent Nrf2/ARE pathway. Journal of dermatological science, 72(3), 304-310.
6. Li, C., Gu, X., & Xiong, D. (2021). 27892 Tolerance and effectiveness of a gel cream containing oat and feverfew on capsaicin sting positive dry sensitive skin. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 85(3), AB166.