BOTANICAL EXTRACT
Watercress Extract
A peppery leafy green rich in vitamins A, C and E and phenolic antioxidants, used to help protect skin from everyday environmental stress.
Source
Watercress flowers and leaves
Used for
Antioxidant-rich botanical
How it works
Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) is naturally high in vitamin C, vitamin A, flavonoids and other phenolic compounds, giving it a strong antioxidant profile.
Watercress is one of the most nutrient-dense leafy greens, and its vitamin and phenolic content is the basis for its inclusion here as a protective, antioxidant-rich botanical alongside its long culinary and traditional history.
Watercress extract fits naturally into a morning routine, where its antioxidant activity works alongside the day's sun protection. It layers comfortably with other antioxidant serums and botanicals without any particular caution.
Watercress is one of the most nutrient-dense leafy greens, and its vitamin and phenolic content is the basis for its inclusion here as a protective, antioxidant-rich botanical alongside its long culinary and traditional history.
Watercress extract fits naturally into a morning routine, where its antioxidant activity works alongside the day's sun protection. It layers comfortably with other antioxidant serums and botanicals without any particular caution.
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Rich in vitamin C, vitamin A and phenolic antioxidants
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One of the most nutrient-dense leafy greens, valued for its antioxidant compounds
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Helps support skin's defences against environmental stress
Questions
What is watercress extract?
It is an extract of the flowers and leaves of watercress, Nasturtium officinale, a member of the cabbage and mustard family (Brassicaceae). Watercress is best known as a peppery salad leaf, and it contains a broad mix of plant compounds, including glucosinolates, polyphenols such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, carotenoids and vitamins. (USDA GRIN; Klimek-Szczykutowicz et al., 2018)
Is watercress part of the cabbage family?
Yes. Watercress, Nasturtium officinale, belongs to the Brassicaceae, the cabbage and mustard family. It is an aquatic or semi-aquatic member of the family, growing at the edges of cool lakes and slow-moving streams, with small white flowers carried in clusters. It is native to Europe, including the UK, and western Asia. (USDA GRIN; USGS)
What does research on watercress show?
Reviews describe a broad range of antioxidant compounds in watercress, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, carotenoids and vitamins. A 2018 review also notes that watercress has an established place in the cosmetics industry, and its use in skincare builds on this rich, well-documented composition. (Klimek-Szczykutowicz et al., 2018)
About the plant
Watercress is a fast-growing aquatic or semi-aquatic perennial that grows along the edges of cool lakes and slow-moving streams, preferring gravelly, slightly alkaline water. It is native to Europe, including the UK, and western Asia, and has become naturalised widely elsewhere, including the Americas, Africa, East Asia and Australasia. (USDA GRIN; USGS)
It has a long history as a food, valued for its peppery flavour, and contains notable amounts of vitamins A and C along with iron, calcium and folic acid. It has also been used in traditional herbal practice in several countries, and today has a place in both the food and cosmetics industries. (USGS; Klimek-Szczykutowicz et al., 2018)
It has a long history as a food, valued for its peppery flavour, and contains notable amounts of vitamins A and C along with iron, calcium and folic acid. It has also been used in traditional herbal practice in several countries, and today has a place in both the food and cosmetics industries. (USGS; Klimek-Szczykutowicz et al., 2018)
The research
- USDA Agricultural Research Service, GRIN-Global Taxonomy. Nasturtium officinale W. T. Aiton (opens in a new tab)
- US Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species. Nasturtium officinale (watercress) fact sheet (opens in a new tab)
- Klimek-Szczykutowicz M, Szopa A, Ekiert H. Chemical composition, traditional and professional use in medicine, application in environmental protection, position in food and cosmetics industries, and biotechnological studies of Nasturtium officinale (watercress) - a review. Fitoterapia, 2018 (opens in a new tab)
