Houttuynia cordata, commonly known as fish mint or chameleon plant, has garnered significant attention in recent years for its extensive benefits in skincare. Traditionally used in Southeast Asia for its medicinal properties, this herb has now become a popular ingredient in various cosmetic formulations, particularly in Japan and Korea.
In this article, we will explore the scientifically backed benefits of Houttuynia cordata for skin, focusing on its impact on acne, inflammation, hydration, and skin health.
What is Houttuynia Cordata?
Houttuynia cordata is a perennial herbaceous plant with a strong, fishy smell, which may be off-putting to some. However, its remarkable health benefits far outweigh the pungent odor. This plant has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, valued for its ability to detoxify the body and treat various skin conditions.
Fun Fact: Despite its strong aroma, fish mint is a common ingredient in many Asian cuisines, where it’s used both fresh and cooked.
Key Active Components in Houttuynia Cordata
The powerful properties of Houttuynia cordata stem from its rich content of bioactive compounds such as:
- Flavonoids (Quercetin, Quercitrin): Known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
- Polysaccharides: Help in maintaining moisture and enhancing skin hydration.
- Decanoyl acetaldehyde: A compound with potent antimicrobial activity.
Let’s dive deeper into how these components benefit the skin.
Read more: Houttuynia Cordata Extract: What It Is, Benefits, and Risks
1. Regulates Sebum Production and Fights Acne
One of the standout benefits of Houttuynia cordata for skin is its ability to balance sebum production. This makes it particularly beneficial for oily and acne-prone skin.
How it works: Houttuynia cordata contains flavonoids and polysaccharides, which help regulate the skin’s oil levels1. Excessive sebum production often leads to clogged pores, which, in turn, causes breakouts. By keeping sebum levels in check, Houttuynia cordata helps prevent acne from developing.
In addition, its strong antimicrobial properties, especially due to decanoyl acetaldehyde, inhibit the growth of Propionibacterium acnes, the bacteria responsible for acne formation2. The anti-inflammatory effects further reduce redness and swelling associated with breakouts.
Quick Insight: Regular use of Houttuynia cordata-based products can help keep your skin clear and balanced, reducing the frequency and severity of acne flare-ups.
2. Soothes Irritated Skin and Reduces Inflammation
Houttuynia cordata is a natural anti-inflammatory agent, making it ideal for soothing irritated or sensitive skin. This is largely thanks to the presence of quercetin, a flavonoid that has been widely studied for its inflammation-reducing properties3.
This plant extract can be particularly effective for conditions such as4:
- Eczema
- Rosacea
- Dermatitis
By reducing inflammation, it can help alleviate the discomfort associated with these conditions, including redness, itchiness, and swelling.
Example: Imagine you’re dealing with a flare-up of eczema or rosacea. Applying a soothing Houttuynia cordata cream can reduce redness and irritation, offering instant relief and promoting faster healing.
3. Powerful Antioxidant Protection
The antioxidant power of Houttuynia cordata is another reason it is gaining traction in the skincare world. The flavonoids present in the plant, including quercetin and rutin, neutralize harmful free radicals that damage the skin and accelerate aging5.
Antioxidants work by:
- Protecting against environmental stressors like pollution and UV radiation.
- Slowing down the aging process by preventing oxidative stress.
By incorporating Houttuynia cordata into your skincare routine, you’re giving your skin the tools it needs to combat premature aging, fine lines, and wrinkles.
In short: If you’re looking for a natural way to protect your skin from the daily assault of pollutants and sun exposure, Houttuynia cordata might just be your new go-to ingredient.
4. Enhances Skin Hydration
Houttuynia cordata is also an excellent natural moisturizer. It is packed with polysaccharides, which enhance the skin’s ability to retain moisture6. This makes it particularly beneficial for those with dry or dehydrated skin.
When the skin’s moisture barrier is compromised, it can lead to dryness, irritation, and sensitivity. The polysaccharides in Houttuynia cordata not only lock in moisture but also support the skin’s natural ability to heal and regenerate.
Fun Tip: If your skin feels parched, consider using a Houttuynia cordata-infused sheet mask. The plant’s soothing and hydrating properties will give your skin an instant moisture boost.
5. Supports Skin’s Natural Barrier Function
One of the lesser-known benefits of Houttuynia cordata is its ability to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier. The extract promotes healthy blood flow, ensuring that essential nutrients are delivered to the skin while boosting immune cell activity7.
This enhanced circulation can help maintain skin elasticity and firmness, promoting a radiant and youthful complexion. A robust skin barrier is crucial for protecting the skin from external aggressors, such as pollutants and allergens.
Quick Summary: By improving blood circulation, Houttuynia cordata not only strengthens the skin barrier but also enhances the skin’s overall health and resilience.
6. Prevents Hyperpigmentation and Brightens Skin Tone
Houttuynia cordata has shown promise in preventing hyperpigmentation and dark spots, thanks to its detoxifying and antioxidative effects. It helps the skin’s natural regeneration process by promoting faster turnover of skin cells.
In particular, the antioxidant quercetin helps inhibit the production of melanin8, the pigment responsible for dark spots and uneven skin tone. As a result, regular use of Houttuynia cordata products can lead to a more even, radiant complexion.
Takeaway: If dark spots or an uneven complexion are concerns, Houttuynia cordata could help restore your skin’s natural glow by accelerating the removal of pigmented cells.
Conclusion: A Natural Solution for Healthy Skin
Incorporating Houttuynia cordata into your skincare routine could provide multiple benefits—from regulating sebum production and fighting acne to soothing inflammation and enhancing hydration. Its potent combination of flavonoids, antioxidants, and moisturizing agents makes it a versatile and effective ingredient for maintaining healthy, balanced skin.
Whether you have oily, sensitive, or aging skin, Houttuynia cordata’s unique properties can offer relief and rejuvenation, leaving your skin looking radiant and feeling refreshed.
Pro Tip: For best results, look for products that include Houttuynia cordata as a key ingredient, and consider combining them with other skincare steps, such as proper hydration and sun protection, to maximize the benefits.
- Liu J, Zou J, Wang J, et al. Extraction, purification, structural features, and pharmacological properties of polysaccharides from Houttuynia cordata: A review[J]. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2024: 135230. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0141813024060367 ↩︎
- Jiangang F, Ling D, Zhang L, et al. Houttuynia cordata Thunb: a review of phytochemistry and pharmacology and quality control[J]. Chinese Medicine, 2013, 2013. https://www.scirp.org/html/6-8801100_37184.htm ↩︎
- Chiow K H, Phoon M C, Putti T, et al. Evaluation of antiviral activities of Houttuynia cordata Thunb. extract, quercetin, quercetrin and cinanserin on murine coronavirus and dengue virus infection[J]. Asian Pacific journal of tropical medicine, 2016, 9(1): 1-7. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1995764515002230 ↩︎
- Sitarek P, Kowalczyk T, Wieczfinska J, et al. Plant extracts as a natural source of bioactive compounds and potential remedy for the treatment of certain skin diseases[J]. Current Pharmaceutical Design, 2020, 26(24): 2859-2875. https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/ben/cpd/2020/00000026/00000024/art00005 ↩︎
- Kim K M, Shim S M. Nicotine detoxification of rutin, quercitrin, and chlorogenic acid isolated from Houttuynia cordata by reducing reactive oxygen species and inducing conversion from nicotine to cotinine[J]. Journal of the Korean Society for Applied Biological Chemistry, 2014, 57: 503-509. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13765-014-4182-1 ↩︎
- 任海毅, 董银卯, 孟宏, 等. 芦荟保湿活性成分筛选及皮肤适应性研究[J]. 中国实验方剂学杂志, 2013, 19(3): 252-256. ↩︎
- https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/jmf.2014.3371 ↩︎
- https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/3/2/18 ↩︎
