Ingredient review
Pyrethrum Flower Extract
INCI: TANACETUM CINERARIIFOLIUM FLOWER EXTRACT
Pyrethrum flower extract is a potent natural insecticide that is rarely used in skincare due to a high risk of skin irritation and allergy.
In plain English
This ingredient comes from a type of chrysanthemum flower. It contains natural compounds called pyrethrins that are very effective at killing insects. In skincare, it is sometimes added to repel bugs, but it can easily irritate or cause allergic reactions on human skin, so it is not common in products meant to stay on your face or body.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Higher-caution ingredient
The evidence base is still emerging, so marketing claims deserve extra caution.
Main practical flags: irritation is high; clogging risk is low.
- Source
- natural
- Evidence
- emerging
- Irritation
- high
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Read the cautions before using
Pyrethrum Flower Extract can be useful, but watch for high irritation potential.
Plain-English read
Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Pyrethrum Flower Extract.
- Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
- Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.
Score terms in plain English
Irritation risk
highMore likely to cause dryness, stinging, peeling, or reactivity if used too aggressively.
Clogging risk
lowLess likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.
Evidence level
emergingThe ingredient may be promising, but claims should be treated more cautiously.
What it is
A botanical extract derived from the dried flower heads of Tanacetum cinerariifolium (also known as Dalmatian pyrethrum). The active compounds are pyrethrins, which are neurotoxins to insects.
How it works
Pyrethrins disrupt the nervous system of insects, causing paralysis and death. On human skin, the extract may provide a mild repellent effect, but it can also trigger irritation or contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
Pros
Natural insect repellent
Derived from a plant source, it offers an alternative to synthetic repellents like DEET for those seeking natural options.
Quick-acting on insects
Pyrethrins are fast-acting neurotoxins for insects, making the extract effective in repellent or insecticidal products.
Cons and cautions
High irritation potential
Pyrethrum can cause stinging, redness, and contact dermatitis, especially on sensitive or broken skin, limiting its use in skincare.
Allergy risk
Cross-reactivity with ragweed and other Asteraceae plants is common, so people with hay fever or plant allergies may react.
Limited cosmetic research
Most studies focus on insecticidal use, not on safety or efficacy for cosmetic leave-on applications.
Best for
- People looking for a natural insect repellent for outdoor use (in rinse-off or spray formats)
- Those with non-sensitive skin who tolerate botanical extracts well
Use caution if
- Anyone with sensitive, eczema-prone, or allergic skin
- Individuals with known allergies to ragweed, chrysanthemums, or other Asteraceae plants
Usage tips
Safety summary
Pyrethrum flower extract is a potent insecticide with a well-documented risk of skin irritation and allergic contact dermatitis. It is not recommended for routine skincare, especially for sensitive or allergy-prone individuals. Cosmetic use should be limited to rinse-off or repellent products with low concentrations.
Research notes
Research on pyrethrum in cosmetics is sparse. Most evidence comes from agricultural and insecticide studies. Dermatological literature reports cases of contact dermatitis from pyrethrum-containing products. No robust studies support its benefit in leave-on skincare.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- Typically below 1% in rinse-off products; rarely used in leave-on formulations
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in insect repellent products in many countries, but not generally recognized as safe for leave-on cosmetic use. The EU CosIng database lists it as a fragrance ingredient with restrictions.
- Common uses
- Insect repellent products, Limited use in rinse-off cosmetics
- Environmental note
- Pyrethrum is biodegradable and considered less persistent in the environment than synthetic pyrethroids, but it is toxic to bees and aquatic life.
Good to know
- Pyrethrum is often confused with 'pyrethrin' (the active compound) and 'permethrin' (a synthetic version). This extract contains natural pyrethrins.
- The flowers have been used for centuries as a natural insecticide, but modern cosmetic use is rare due to safety concerns.
Common questions
What is Pyrethrum Flower Extract in beauty products?
This ingredient comes from a type of chrysanthemum flower. It contains natural compounds called pyrethrins that are very effective at killing insects. In skincare, it is sometimes added to repel bugs, but it can easily irritate or cause allergic reactions on human skin, so it is not common in products meant to stay on your face or body.
What does Pyrethrum Flower Extract do in a beauty product?
Pyrethrins disrupt the nervous system of insects, causing paralysis and death. On human skin, the extract may provide a mild repellent effect, but it can also trigger irritation or contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
Is Pyrethrum Flower Extract safe for most people?
Pyrethrum flower extract is a potent insecticide with a well-documented risk of skin irritation and allergic contact dermatitis. It is not recommended for routine skincare, especially for sensitive or allergy-prone individuals. Cosmetic use should be limited to rinse-off or repellent products with low concentrations.
Who should be careful with Pyrethrum Flower Extract?
Anyone with sensitive, eczema-prone, or allergic skin Individuals with known allergies to ragweed, chrysanthemums, or other Asteraceae plants
Research sources
Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.