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Portulaca Oleracea: The Super Ingredient for Healthy Skin

Portulaca Oleracea: The Super Ingredient for Healthy Skin

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Portulaca oleracea, more commonly known as Purslane in English or Ma-Chi-Xian in Chinese, is a humble plant that grows abundantly as a weed in field crops and lawns. Despite its modest appearance, this annual succulent has been treasured for centuries in traditional medicine. The aerial parts of the plant are used to reduce pain, swelling, and act as an antiseptic. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Purslane is a go-to remedy for soothing mosquito bites, insect stings, and even snake bites.

Today, Purslane is gaining recognition in the skincare world thanks to its rich bioactive compounds and impressive benefits for the skin.

Portulaca oleracea  (Common Purslane)

Why Purslane is a Skincare Powerhouse

The entire plant of P. oleracea is packed with skin-loving nutrients. Its extract contains potent flavonoids and alkaloids, giving it strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-ageing, wound-healing, and even anti-allergy properties. Let’s break down its major benefits:

1. Antioxidant Boost

Purslane is loaded with antioxidants such as beta carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E. These nutrients protect the skin from oxidative stress, reduce UV-induced damage, and help maintain youthful radiance.
In fact, studies show that the free radical scavenging activity of Purslane extract is even higher than ascorbic acid, arbutin, and kojic acid [1]. (Figure 1)

1. Antioxidant Boost

Purslane is loaded with antioxidants such as beta carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E. These nutrients protect the skin from oxidative stress, reduce UV-induced damage, and help maintain youthful radiance.
In fact, studies show that the free radical scavenging activity of Purslane extract is even higher than ascorbic acid, arbutin, and kojic acid [1]. (Figure 1)

2. Anti-Ageing Support

Purslane leaves are an incredible source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential Omega-3 fatty acid—containing more ALA than any other leafy vegetable. Omega-3s regulate oil production, enhance hydration, prevent acne, and most importantly, delay skin ageing by reducing wrinkles and fine lines [2].

3. Anti-Inflammatory Relief

One of the plant’s key bioactive compounds, oleracone, plays a central role in its anti-inflammatory action. Purslane extract works by reducing the secretion of interleukins, the inflammatory messengers in the body. This helps calm irritation, soothe itching caused by dryness, and relieve inflamed skin conditions [3], [4].

4. Wound-Healing Properties

Purslane extract has been shown to accelerate wound healing by reducing wound size, improving blood circulation, and stimulating cell repair. This not only speeds recovery but also helps minimize scars over time [5].

5. Anti-Allergy Effect

For those with sensitive or reactive skin, Purslane extract can be a game-changer. It effectively calms facial redness (erythema) and reduces the appearance of dilated skin capillaries. In a patch test, subjects who applied 0.5% Purslane extract experienced visible relief from redness and itching triggered by histamine exposure [6], [7]. (Figure 2)

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5. Anti-Allergy Effect

For those with sensitive or reactive skin, Purslane extract can be a game-changer. It effectively calms facial redness (erythema) and reduces the appearance of dilated skin capillaries. In a patch test, subjects who applied 0.5% Purslane extract experienced visible relief from redness and itching triggered by histamine exposure [6], [7]. (Figure 2)

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Common Uses of Purslane in Skincare

Thanks to its wide-ranging properties, P. oleracea extract is now found in many skincare formulations targeting sensitivity, ageing, and overall skin health. Common applications include:

  • Treating wrinkles and signs of dermatological ageing

  • Enhancing skin’s aesthetic appearance and radiance

  • Protecting against UV-induced damage

  • Acting as an exfoliation promoter and antioxidant

  • Minimizing sunburn and tanning

  • Fading scars and blemishes

Final Thoughts

From traditional medicine to modern skincare, Portulaca oleracea (Purslane) proves itself as a true “super ingredient.” Its ability to fight free radicals, soothe inflammation, accelerate healing, and protect sensitive skin makes it a versatile addition to any skincare routine.

As scientific studies continue to highlight its therapeutic potential, expect to see Purslane featured more prominently in anti-ageing serums, calming creams, and barrier-repair formulas—a testament to how nature’s simplest plants can deliver powerful results.

Written By:  Dr. Tan Kian Meng PhD in Engineering Technology (UTHM)

📚 References
[1] Kim, I. Y., Lee, M. H., Shim, S. B., & Chun, Y. J. (2013). Skin lightening and wrinkle improving efficacy of organic portulaca oleracea extract in skincare cosmetics. Int. J. Bio-Science Bio-Technology, 5(5), 75–84.
[2] Desta, M., Molla, A., & Yusuf, Z. (2020). Characterization of physico-chemical properties and antioxidant activity of oil from seed, leaf and stem of purslane. Biotechnol. Reports, 27, e00512.
[3] Alesaeidi, S. (2016). Portulaca Oleracea: A Review Study With Anti-Inflammatory and Muscle Properties. Indian J. Med. Res. Pharm. Sci.
[4] Bailly, C. (2021). Review: Natural products isolated from Portulaca oleracea (purslane, Ma Chi-Xian): Focus on oleraciamides and oleracones. Nusant. Biosci., 13(2), 202–210.
[5] Guo, J., et al. (2022). Extracts of Portulaca oleracea promote wound healing by enhancing angiology regeneration and inhibiting iron accumulation in mice. Chinese Herb. Med., 14(2), 263–272.
[6] Wang, Y., et al. (2018). Assessment of the efficacy of a new complex antisensitive skin cream. J. Cosmet. Dermatol., 17(6), 1101–1107.
[7] PLAMED: Portulaca Oleracea Extract– Protective Umbrella for Sensitive Skin. https://www.plamed.cn/protective-umbrella-for-sensitive-skin-portulaca-oleracea-extract/

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