Meet the Plant Extract With 43% More Antioxidant Power Than Retinol

Edelweiss might be best known for its namesake song in The Sound of Music — but did you know this small Swiss flower has another identity as a powerhouse skincare ingredient?

Native only to altitudes of 2300 to 4500 meters, edelweiss is best known as an alpine wildflower (with close relatives in the Himalayas). And while these flowers might be small in stature, they pack a mighty punch: They're naturally rich in phytonutrients, plant compounds that carry an array of health benefits. In fact, some experts note that edelweiss has 43 percent more antioxidant power than everyone’s skincare MVP: retinol. It beats out vitamin C in that regard, too. (Seriously—how has this ingredient flown under the radar for so long?)

So, what are some of the specific benefits of edelweiss? Let’s take a closer look.

Edelweiss has strong antioxidant activity. (Translation: It helps slow aging.)

Quick refresher: An antioxidant is a compound that helps delay or prevent cell damage. It’s why antioxidants are generally associated with longevity, skin health, and the prevention of other signs of aging. 

Ancient wisdom: Extract of edelweiss is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to balance "heat," or inflammation. 

Modern science: Edelweiss is naturally rich in leontopodic acid, a compound that has captured the attention of health researchers and skincare chemists alike for its antioxidant power. 

It’s scientifically shown to support healthy, hydrated skin.

Ancient wisdom: Edelweiss' anti-inflammatory benefits make it a multitasking remedy in TCM. 

Modern science: In one 2020 study, researchers found that an edelweiss extract suppressed wrinkling, inflammation, and increased hydration—basically, the trifecta for healthy, youthful skin. Similarly to retinol, edelweiss works overtime to neutralize free radicals in the skin—unstable atoms that cause cell damage, and in turn, visible signs of aging.

Edelweiss has been valued for its antibacterial qualities for centuries—and modern research shows that link, too. 

Ancient wisdom: In addition to its applications in Traditional Chinese Medicine, edelweiss has long been revered in European folk medicine as a natural remedy—used centuries ago to treat all manner of conditions from dysentery to fever. 

Modern science: Bacteria growth can contribute to clogged pores, odors, and more. (A not-so-fun fact: E. coli and S. Aureus, or Staph, are two of the leading culprits for vaginal irritation.) But research suggests that edelweiss' antimicrobial qualities help deter the growth of bacteria. 

Why edelweiss?

To us, the skin on our vulva deserves just as much care as anywhere else on your body—and it’s also an area that tends to be overlooked, which can lead to odor, buildup, and imbalances like yeast infections. When used as an ingredient in feminine care products, edelweiss can keep odor-causing bacteria at bay and our vulva skin feeling hydrated and supple.

Wondering what to look for in a feminine wash? Hint: There are some ground rules—check them out here.