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Nettle Leaf Extract
At ORY®, we believe you should know what’s in your products and why. This page lists the published research behind what we say about nettle leaf extract. Each section starts with our claim, then tells you how well the research supports it, then lists the sources so you can read them yourself.
How to read this page Supported — backed by peer-reviewed research or official safety reviews. Supported, with caveats — the research points this way, but mostly from laboratory or animal studies, or at different strengths than ORY® uses. Limited evidence — little or no published research yet. We say so openly. |
1. General Description and Role
Claim: Nettle (Urtica dioica) leaf, once dried or extracted, loses its sting and provides phenolic acids, flavonoids, chlorophyll, and minerals. In ORY® products it helps skin and scalp look and feel less oily, provides antioxidant support, and helps hair look shiny. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. Reviews describe nettle’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, mostly from lab studies. We found no controlled cosmetic trials of nettle leaf on skin or hair and no completed CIR safety assessment.
Citations:
- Bourgeois, C., Leclerc, É. A., Corbin, C., et al. (2016). Nettle (Urtica dioica L.) as a source of antioxidant and anti-aging phytochemicals for cosmetic applications. Comptes Rendus Chimie, 19(9), 1090–1100. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crci.2016.03.019
- What it shows: Lab study of nettle antioxidants for cosmetics.
- Kregiel, D., Pawlikowska, E., & Antolak, H. (2018). Urtica spp.: Ordinary plants with extraordinary properties. Molecules, 23(7), 1664. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23071664
- What it shows: Review of nettle composition and properties.
- Bourgeois, C., Leclerc, É. A., Corbin, C., et al. (2016). Nettle (Urtica dioica L.) as a source of antioxidant and anti-aging phytochemicals for cosmetic applications. Comptes Rendus Chimie, 19(9), 1090–1100. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crci.2016.03.019
2. Composition and Production
Claim: Nettle leaf extract is made by water, glycerin, or alcohol extraction of dried leaves, or as powder or infused oil. It contains chlorogenic and caffeic acids, quercetin and kaempferol, chlorophyll, silica, and minerals. |
Verification: Supported. Composition is well documented.
Citations:
- Kregiel, D., Pawlikowska, E., & Antolak, H. (2018). Urtica spp.: Ordinary plants with extraordinary properties. Molecules, 23(7), 1664. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23071664
- What it shows: Composition review.
- Kregiel, D., Pawlikowska, E., & Antolak, H. (2018). Urtica spp.: Ordinary plants with extraordinary properties. Molecules, 23(7), 1664. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23071664
3. Skin Type Suitability
Claim: Nettle suits oily, combination, normal, and mature skin. Dry skin should use nettle-infused oil rather than the astringent water extract. |
Verification: Limited evidence. We found no cosmetic clinical studies by skin type. Suitability is based on traditional use and composition.
Citations:
- Kregiel, D., Pawlikowska, E., & Antolak, H. (2018). Urtica spp.: Ordinary plants with extraordinary properties. Molecules, 23(7), 1664. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23071664
- What it shows: Traditional uses and properties.
- Kregiel, D., Pawlikowska, E., & Antolak, H. (2018). Urtica spp.: Ordinary plants with extraordinary properties. Molecules, 23(7), 1664. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23071664
4. Hair and Scalp Suitability
Claim: In haircare, nettle is a traditional ingredient that helps the scalp feel clean and less oily and helps hair look shiny. |
Verification: Limited evidence. Nettle root, not leaf, has been studied for effects on the enzyme 5α-reductase, mainly for prostate health. That research does not show hair growth, and hair-growth or hair-loss claims are drug claims. ORY® nettle haircare products are not intended to treat dandruff or to grow hair or prevent hair loss.
Citations:
- Chrubasik, J. E., Roufogalis, B. D., Wagner, H., & Chrubasik, S. (2007). A comprehensive review on the stinging nettle effect and efficacy profiles. Part II: Urticae radix. Phytomedicine, 14(7–8), 568–579. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17509841/
- What it shows: Review of nettle root research, mainly for prostate conditions.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 310.527 — Drug products offered over-the-counter for external use as hair growers or for hair loss prevention. https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/21/310.527
- What it shows: FDA treats hair-growth and hair-loss products as drugs.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR Part 358, Subpart H — Drug products for the control of dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-358/subpart-H
- What it shows: FDA dandruff actives list, which does not include nettle.
- Chrubasik, J. E., Roufogalis, B. D., Wagner, H., & Chrubasik, S. (2007). A comprehensive review on the stinging nettle effect and efficacy profiles. Part II: Urticae radix. Phytomedicine, 14(7–8), 568–579. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17509841/
5. Benefits
Claim: Nettle helps skin and scalp look less oily, provides antioxidant support, and helps hair look shiny. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. Antioxidant activity is supported by lab studies. Oil-balancing and hair-strengthening benefits are traditional and not confirmed in clinical trials.
Citations:
- Bourgeois, C., Leclerc, É. A., Corbin, C., et al. (2016). Nettle (Urtica dioica L.) as a source of antioxidant and anti-aging phytochemicals for cosmetic applications. Comptes Rendus Chimie, 19(9), 1090–1100. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crci.2016.03.019
- What it shows: Antioxidant lab evidence.
- Kregiel, D., Pawlikowska, E., & Antolak, H. (2018). Urtica spp.: Ordinary plants with extraordinary properties. Molecules, 23(7), 1664. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23071664
- What it shows: Review of reported properties.
- Bourgeois, C., Leclerc, É. A., Corbin, C., et al. (2016). Nettle (Urtica dioica L.) as a source of antioxidant and anti-aging phytochemicals for cosmetic applications. Comptes Rendus Chimie, 19(9), 1090–1100. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crci.2016.03.019
6. Use Across ORY® Product Lines
Claim: Nettle is used in all four ORY® product lines as an extract, powder, or infused oil. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. Nettle is added for skin and hair benefits, not for color. Chlorophyll-containing plant powders are not FDA-approved color additives for cosmetics. We found no data on how much of nettle’s active compounds survive soapmaking.
| Product line | Typical level | How ORY® uses it |
| Skincare | 1–5% extract; 5–10% infused oil | Toners, gels, masks, serums, and face oils. |
| Haircare | 1–5% extract | Shampoos, scalp tonics, conditioners, and rinses. |
| Handmade Soap | 5–10% infused oil; small amounts of powder | Nettle-infused oil and powder for gentle texture. |
| Cosmetics | 0.5–2% | Oil-control primers and foundations. |
Citations:
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Color Additives and Cosmetics: Fact Sheet; 21 CFR 70.3(g) and Part 73, Subpart C (color additives permitted in cosmetics). https://www.fda.gov/industry/color-additives/color-additives-and-cosmetics-fact-sheet
- What it shows: FDA color additive rules.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap
- What it shows: FDA explains how soap is regulated.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Color Additives and Cosmetics: Fact Sheet; 21 CFR 70.3(g) and Part 73, Subpart C (color additives permitted in cosmetics). https://www.fda.gov/industry/color-additives/color-additives-and-cosmetics-fact-sheet
7. Pros
Claim: Traditional hair-care heritage, antioxidant-rich, and available in several forms. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. Supported by reviews and tradition more than clinical trials.
Citations:
- Kregiel, D., Pawlikowska, E., & Antolak, H. (2018). Urtica spp.: Ordinary plants with extraordinary properties. Molecules, 23(7), 1664. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23071664
- What it shows: Review.
- Kregiel, D., Pawlikowska, E., & Antolak, H. (2018). Urtica spp.: Ordinary plants with extraordinary properties. Molecules, 23(7), 1664. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23071664
8. Cons
Claim: Nettle has limited clinical evidence, can be drying as a water extract, and can tint formulas green. |
Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:
- Limited clinical trials. Most evidence is traditional or from the lab.
- Astringency. Water extracts can dry dry skin.
- Color. Green-brown tint in light formulas.
- Root vs leaf. Root research does not apply to leaf extract.
Citations:
- Chrubasik, J. E., Roufogalis, B. D., Wagner, H., & Chrubasik, S. (2007). A comprehensive review on the stinging nettle effect and efficacy profiles. Part II: Urticae radix. Phytomedicine, 14(7–8), 568–579. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17509841/
- What it shows: Root research scope.
- Chrubasik, J. E., Roufogalis, B. D., Wagner, H., & Chrubasik, S. (2007). A comprehensive review on the stinging nettle effect and efficacy profiles. Part II: Urticae radix. Phytomedicine, 14(7–8), 568–579. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17509841/
9. Safety Notes
Claim: Patch test before use; for external use only. |
Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:
- Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
- Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs, and talk to a healthcare provider.
- For external use only. Avoid the eyes. Do not use on broken or seriously damaged skin.
- If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, ask a healthcare provider before use.
Citations:
- Kregiel, D., Pawlikowska, E., & Antolak, H. (2018). Urtica spp.: Ordinary plants with extraordinary properties. Molecules, 23(7), 1664. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23071664
- What it shows: Review.
- Kregiel, D., Pawlikowska, E., & Antolak, H. (2018). Urtica spp.: Ordinary plants with extraordinary properties. Molecules, 23(7), 1664. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23071664
10. Product-line notes
- ORY® Skincare: For external use only. Not for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
- ORY® Haircare: Designed for scalp comfort and the look and feel of hair. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss. If you notice sudden shedding or a persistent itchy, flaking scalp, see a dermatologist.
- ORY® Handmade Soap: Handmade soap is naturally alkaline, and each bar may vary slightly in color, scent, and texture. Not intended to treat eczema or any skin condition.
- ORY® Cosmetics: Lip products are not intended to treat or protect chapped or cracked lips. Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.
11. References
Peer-reviewed research
- Bourgeois, C., Leclerc, É. A., Corbin, C., et al. (2016). Nettle (Urtica dioica L.) as a source of antioxidant and anti-aging phytochemicals for cosmetic applications. Comptes Rendus Chimie, 19(9), 1090–1100. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crci.2016.03.019
- Chrubasik, J. E., Roufogalis, B. D., Wagner, H., & Chrubasik, S. (2007). A comprehensive review on the stinging nettle effect and efficacy profiles. Part II: Urticae radix. Phytomedicine, 14(7–8), 568–579. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17509841/
- Kregiel, D., Pawlikowska, E., & Antolak, H. (2018). Urtica spp.: Ordinary plants with extraordinary properties. Molecules, 23(7), 1664. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23071664
Government and regulatory sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Color Additives and Cosmetics: Fact Sheet; 21 CFR 70.3(g) and Part 73, Subpart C (color additives permitted in cosmetics). https://www.fda.gov/industry/color-additives/color-additives-and-cosmetics-fact-sheet
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 310.527 — Drug products offered over-the-counter for external use as hair growers or for hair loss prevention. https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/21/310.527
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR Part 358, Subpart H — Drug products for the control of dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-358/subpart-H