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The Science of Portulaca Oleracea Extract (Purslane) in Skin Care

Although portulaca oleracea sounds like the name of something complex, you’ve probably seen this plant many times before growing between cracks in the sidewalk! Commonly called purslane, portulaca oleracea is actually very beneficial, yet we have come to treat it as a weed.

When used in skin care, purslane comes with a long list of benefits, including providing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support, while having minimal adverse effects. Learn more about what this common “weed” is and how you can start incorporating it into your skin care regimen.

Portulaca oleracea is a common succulent plant with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

It is found in a wide range of skin care products, including cleansers, moisturizers, and serums.

Portulaca oleracea is typically gentle on the skin and can be appropriate for most skin types.

What is portulaca oleracea?

What Is Portulaca Oleracea?

Portulaca oleracea, or purslane, is a small, hardy succulent plant that was originally native to regions of Asia, Europe, and North Africa but can now be found growing virtually everywhere — including in gardens, fields, and even in the cracks of sidewalks. Purslane thrives in harsh conditions and is often dismissed as a stubborn weed. However, this common plant has a long history in traditional medicine, thanks to its many bioactive compounds.


In traditional Chinese medicine, for example, purslane is known as the “vegetable for long life,” due to its high levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Ancient cultures often used it to treat inflammation, skin irritations, and digestive problems. Beyond its medicinal history, purslane remains a popular food in parts of the Mediterranean, where it’s often included in salads, soups, and stews because of its refreshing, slightly tangy flavor.


In skincare, portulaca oleracea extract is best known for its ability to hydrate, protect, and soothe the skin. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants like glutathione, and polysaccharides, which contribute to its calming and rejuvenating effects. 

active compounds of portulaca oleracea

Active Compounds in Portulaca Oleracea

Portulaca oleracea contains a number of beneficial bioactive compounds that work together to provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing effects. Key active compounds found in purslane include:

  • Vitamins. Purslane is rich in vitamins A, C, and E. Vitamin A supports skin cell turnover, while vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and plays a key role in collagen synthesis. Vitamin E helps to strengthen the skin barrier, improve hydration, and adds to the overall antioxidant benefits of purslane.
  • Glutathione. A potent tripeptide antioxidant naturally present in the body, glutathione protects skin cells from oxidative stress caused by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental factors. By reducing oxidative damage, glutathione can help to slow premature aging and minimize inflammation.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids. Purslane is one of the richest plant-based sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid. Omega-3s are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, which help to soothe irritated skin, reduce redness, and improve conditions like eczema or acne (3). They also support the skin’s lipid barrier, enhancing moisture retention and protecting against dryness.
  • Polysaccharides. These complex carbohydrates act as natural humectants, drawing water into the skin to improve hydration. Polysaccharides form a protective layer on the skin’s surface, helping to prevent moisture loss and improve overall skin smoothness and softness.
  • Minerals. Purslane contains beneficial minerals such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, and iron. These minerals play important roles in maintaining skin health.
  • Flavonoids. Purslane is rich in flavonoids such as kaempferol and apigenin, which have strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects (4). These compounds help to combat free radical damage, calm inflamed skin, and support wound healing processes.
  • Phenolic compounds. Phenolic acids like ferulic acid provide additional antioxidant support. Ferulic acid enhances the effectiveness of vitamins C and E, making it a key contributor to protecting the skin from oxidative stress (5).
benefits of portulaca oleracea

Skin Benefits of Portulaca Oleracea

Portulaca oleracea is a powerful ingredient that hydrates, repairs, and protects the skin while combating inflammation and signs of aging. Some of its key benefits for the skin include:

  • Antioxidant protection. Vitamins C and E work together to neutralize free radicals, while glutathione boosts antioxidant defenses, protecting skin from UV damage and premature aging.

  • Anti-inflammatory effects. Omega-3 fatty acids calm inflamed skin, reducing redness and irritation, while flavonoids help to soothe sensitive skin and improve symptoms of eczema, psoriasis, and acne.

  • Hydration. Polysaccharides in portulaca oleracea act as humectants, drawing moisture into the skin to improve hydration and smoothness. Because of this, some studies have found that portulaca oleracea can be an effective treatment for hand eczema (6).

  • Wound healing. Phenolic acids and flavonoids in purslane accelerate skin repair by calming inflammation and protecting damaged tissue.

  • Brightening and evening skin tone. Vitamin C in portulaca oleracea promotes collagen production and fades dark spots, while ferulic acid enhances vitamin C’s effectiveness.

  • Strengthens the skin barrier. Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E strengthen the skin barrier, protecting the skin from irritants and sealing moisture inside.

  • Anti-aging. Antioxidants in portulaca oleracea slow premature aging by reducing collagen breakdown.

Side Effects of Portulaca Oleracea in Skin Care

Topical portulaca oleracea is typically well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive skin and eczema. 

Skin Care Products with Portulaca Oleracea

Portulaca oleracea extract is found in a wide range of skin care products, including cleansers, serums, and moisturizers that target hydration, anti-aging, and skin-soothing benefits. Some products from top brands that contain this powerhouse ingredient include:

Bottom Line

Often overlooked as a simple weed, portulaca oleracea, or purslane, is actually a very beneficial plant for your skin and overall health. Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hydrating properties make it an effective skin care ingredient for many common skin problems.


To determine if products containing purslane extract are suitable for your skin, take the Skin Type Quiz to find out your skin type and get personalized skin care recommendations.

Level up your skin care knowledge with medical advice from dermatologists

Is purslane anti-aging?

Yes, portulaca oleracea has anti-aging benefits, thanks to its rich concentration of antioxidants, which help to protect the skin from free radical damage.

Does purslane have collagen?

No, portulaca oleracea does not contain collagen. However, its antioxidant properties can help to protect against accelerated collagen breakdown. Additionally, its vitamin C content can help your skin to produce more of its own collagen.

Is portulaca oleracea good for hair growth?

There is limited scientific evidence to suggest that portulaca oleracea directly promotes hair growth. However, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may help to improve overall scalp health.

Best References and Scientific Publications on Portulaca Oleracea:

  1. Baumann L. Antiaging Ingredients in Ch. 37 of Baumann's Cosmetic Dermatology Ed 3. (McGraw Hill 2022)
  2. Baumann, L. https://community.the-hospitalist.org/content/portulaca-oleracea-purslane
  3. Uddin MK, Juraimi AS, Hossain MS, Nahar MA, Ali ME, Rahman MM. Purslane weed (Portulaca oleracea): a prospective plant source of nutrition, omega-3 fatty acid, and antioxidant attributes. ScientificWorldJournal.
  4. Nemzer B, Al-Taher F, Abshiru N. Phytochemical composition and nutritional value of different plant parts in two cultivated and wild purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) genotypes. Food Chem. 2020 Aug 1;320:126621.
  5. Lin FH, Lin JY, Gupta RD, Tournas JA, Burch JA, Selim MA, Monteiro-Riviere NA, Grichnik JM, Zielinski J, Pinnell SR. Ferulic acid stabilizes a solution of vitamins C and E and doubles its photoprotection of skin. J Invest Dermatol. 2005 Oct;125(4):826-32.
  6. Ghazaleh Heydarirad, Sedigheh Rastegar, Habibbolah Haji-Abdolvahab, Andréa Fuzimoto, Jennifer Hunter, Roghayeh Zare, Mehdi Pasalar. Efficacy and safety of purslane (Portulaca oleracea) for mild to moderate chronic hand eczema; A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, EXPLORE, Volume 20, Issue 3, 2024, pages 401-410.
  7. Shank, P. D., Slaga, T. J., & Snyder, P. W. Safety Assessment of Portulaca oleracea-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics.

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