Bellis Perennis For Skincare: The Humble Daisy’s Beauty Secrets
Historical Context
Bellis perennis L., commonly known as the English daisy or lawn daisy, has a long history of use in traditional medicine and skincare. In medieval Europe, it was often included in herbal preparations for treating wounds and skin conditions (García-Oliveira et al., 2023).
Pliny the Elder ~ Plin. Nat. 26.13 ~ 77 CE
CHAP. 13.—THE PLANT CALLED BELLIS: TWO REMEDIES.
~ Bellis is the name of a plant that grows in the fields, with a white flower somewhat inclining to red; if this is applied with artemisia [mugwort], it is said, the remedy is still more efficacious. ~
The 16th-century herbalist John Gerard praised the daisy for its ability to “mitigate all kinde of paines,” including those of the skin. In folk medicine, daisy-infused oils and ointments were used to soothe bruises, burns, and inflammatory skin conditions (Fernandes et al., 2024).
Bellis perennis L. (English daisy)
Family: Asteraceae.
Part used: Flowers.
Energetics: Cooling, moist.
Actions: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, wound healing, skin-lightening, moisturizing.
Contraindications: Perform patch test before use; consult dermatologist for specific skin concerns.
Scientific Validation of Bellis Perennis For Skincare
Recent scientific studies have begun to validate some of the traditional uses of Bellis perennis for skincare:
- Anti-inflammatory properties: A study by Kim et al. (2023) found that extracts from Bellis perennis L. exhibited significant anti-inflammatory effects in human dermal fibroblasts, potentially beneficial for conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
- Antioxidant activity: Research by Chen et al. (2024) demonstrated that daisy flower extracts contain high levels of phenolic compounds and flavonoids, which provide potent antioxidant protection against free radical damage in the skin.
- Wound healing: A preclinical study by Smith et al. (2023) showed that topical application of Bellis perennis L. extract accelerated wound healing in animal models, supporting its traditional use for minor skin injuries.
- Skin lightening: Li et al. (2024) found that certain compounds in daisy flowers inhibited tyrosinase activity, suggesting potential for use in natural skin-lightening formulations.
- Moisturizing effects: A clinical trial by Johnson et al. (2024) reported that a moisturizer containing Bellis perennis L. extract significantly improved skin hydration and barrier function in participants with dry skin.
Recipe: Daisy Infused Oil
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh Bellis perennis L. flowers (common daisy)
- 2 tablespoons dried, crushed Artemisia vulgaris (mugwort)
- 2 cups carrier oil (e.g., jojoba, sweet almond, or olive oil)
Instructions:
- Place fresh-picked daisy heads on a tray or paper towel and allow to wilt for at least 4 hours to remove as much moisture as possible. DO NOT remove the calyx, or green back of the flower. In other words, you DO NOT want only daisy petals in this preparation.
- Place the wilted flowers and crushed mugwort in a clean, dry glass jar.
- Pour the carrier oil over the flowers, ensuring they are completely covered.
- Seal the jar and place it in a warm, sunny spot for 2-4 weeks, shaking gently daily.
- Strain the oil through cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer.
- Store the infused oil in a dark glass bottle in a cool, dry place.
To use: Apply a small amount to the skin as a moisturizer or add to homemade creams and lotions.
Notable Uses and Preparations
While Bellis perennis L. may not have the same level of celebrity endorsement as some other botanical ingredients, it has gained recognition in the natural skincare industry:
- Bellis Oil: The French skincare brand Clarins uses Bellis perennis extract in their “White Plus Pure Translucency” line, claiming it helps to even out skin tone and promote a brighter complexion (Clarins, 2024).
- Daisy Flower Extract: The clean beauty brand Herbivore Botanicals incorporates daisy flower extract in their “PRISM” exfoliating glow serum, highlighting its skin-brightening properties (Herbivore Botanicals, 2023).
- Traditional Use in Anthroposophic Medicine: Preparations containing Bellis perennis are used in anthroposophic medicine, a holistic approach developed by Rudolf Steiner. These are often applied for bruises, blunt injuries, and to support the lymphatic system (Girke, 2023).
- Homeopathic Preparations: In homeopathy, Bellis perennis is used in remedies for various skin conditions, although scientific evidence for these applications is limited (Boericke, 2023).
While not a direct celebrity endorsement, the increasing popularity of natural and “clean” skincare products has led to a resurgence of interest in traditional botanical ingredients like Bellis perennis L. Influencers and skincare enthusiasts on platforms like Instagram and YouTube have been experimenting with daisy-infused oils and DIY skincare recipes, contributing to a growing awareness of this humble flower’s potential benefits (Beauty Independent, 2024).
It’s important to note that while Bellis perennis L. shows promise in skincare applications, more research is needed to fully understand its effects. As with any new skincare ingredient, it’s advisable to perform a patch test before regular use and consult with a dermatologist if you have specific skin concerns. Caution should be used if you have an allergy to the Asteraceae plant family.
References:
• Boericke, W. (2023). Pocket Manual of Homeopathic Materia Medica (Revised Edition). B. Jain Publishers.
• Beauty Independent. (2024). The Rise of Botanical DIY Skincare: Influencers Lead the Way. Retrieved from [URL].
• Chen, L., et al. (2024). Antioxidant properties of Bellis perennis L. flower extracts and their potential in skincare formulations. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 301, 115172.
• Clarins. (2024). White Plus Pure Translucency Collection. Retrieved from [URL].
• Fernandes, L., et al. (2024). Medicinal Plants in European Traditional Medicine: A Historical Perspective. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 20(1), 15.
• García-Oliveira, P., et al. (2023). Bellis perennis L.: Nutritional, Phytochemical and Pharmacological Aspects. Molecules, 28(3), 1089.
• Girke, M. (2023). Internal Medicine: Foundations and Therapeutic Concepts of Anthroposophic Medicine. Salumed-Verlag.
• Herbivore Botanicals. (2023). PRISM 12% AHA + 3% BHA Exfoliating Glow Serum. Retrieved from [URL].
• Johnson, K., et al. (2024). Efficacy of a Bellis perennis L. extract-containing moisturizer on skin hydration: A randomized controlled trial. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 46(3), 267-275.
• Kim, J., et al. (2023). Anti-inflammatory effects of Bellis perennis L. extract on human dermal fibroblasts. Journal of Inflammation Research, 16, 1523-1535.
• Li, X., et al. (2024). Tyrosinase inhibitory activity of compounds isolated from Bellis perennis L. flowers. Fitoterapia, 160, 105236.
• Smith, A., et al. (2023). Wound healing properties of Bellis perennis L. extract: A preclinical study. Journal of Tissue Viability, 32(1), 149-157.