Cosmetic applications of Nymphaea spp.: A review of extraction techniques, functional components, and efficacy mechanisms in skincare
Published 23 April, 2026
The global clean beauty movement has driven growing demand for evidence-based, plant-derived active ingredients for cosmetic formulations. Nymphaea spp., with well-documented ornamental and traditional medicinal properties, represents a high-potential yet underexploited resource for cosmetic ingredient development.
Existing research on the topic, however, remains fragmented, with a lack of systematic cross-method comparison of extraction techniques, unelucidated correlations between phytoconstituents and cosmetic functions, as well as limited integrated analysis of efficacy and toxicological data. These gaps have constrained the translational development of Nymphaea spp. for cosmetic applications.
To that end, a systematic review on the cosmetic applications of Nymphaea spp recently published in the Journal of Dermatologic Science and Cosmetic Technology established a structured "constituent-target-mechanism-efficacy-application" translational framework.
The authors of the review evaluated extraction and purification technologies for Nymphaea spp. bioactive compounds, defines selection criteria for fit-for-purpose extraction methods, categorizes core functional constituents and their multi-target mechanisms of skincare efficacy, and consolidates available toxicological safety data.
Overall, the findings address the longstanding lack of systematic synthesis regarding the cosmetic potential of Nymphaea spp. Additionally, the review provides actionable, evidence-based guidelines for the screening of high-efficacy, low-toxicity ingredients and the optimization of green extraction processes, aligning with the industry's growing need for validated natural skincare ingredients.
Contact author:
Yongli Huo
Affiliation: Guangzhou Eggshell Network Technology Co., Ltd., Guangzhou China
Email address: Jennyhuo@homefacialpro.com
Fangfang Duan
Affiliation: State Key Laboratory of Plant Diversity and Specialty Crops, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, ChinaEmail address: duanfangfang@scbg.ac.cn
Conflict of interest:
The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.