Skincare can sometimes be confusing. Ingredients, essential oils, and extracts can feel mysterious and overwhelming. Allow us to add one in that is actually powerful and has long staying power: Purslane extract.

Derived from the succulent Portulaca oleracea, purslane extract has great antioxidant benefits that hydrate skin, calm irritated skin, and heal wounds, just to name a few. Loaded with more omega fatty acids than fish oil, and a large amount of vitamins, purslane oil has great sources of calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, and potassium.

But what exactly is it, and what does it do for anti-aging?

What is purslane extract?

Known to have many hydrating and anti-aging benefits, purslane extract comes from a plant that is loaded in fatty acids and vitamins like ascorbic acid, dietary minerals, and Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids. It grants a sense of calmness to the skin, and will boast healing properties, preventing free-radicals from destroying the environment.

Purslane extract is not new either. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it’s actually been used in centuries in traditional Eastern medicine for bug bites, stings, and wounds. And fortunately, it is included in many skincare products, ranging from topical creams and serums. If you have dry, inflamed, irritated, injured, or sensitive skin, purslane extract will work to help that.

What are the benefits of using purslane extract on my skin?

The benefits are endless for this powerful extract. To start with, it provides antioxidant benefits through Vitamin E, Vitamin C, beta-carotene, and glutathione. As an anti-inflammatory, it has ingredients that support all skin cells, renewal of key structural components, and protects against free radical damage. Secondly, thanks to the Vitamin A, purslane extract supports healthy cell turnover and the cell division process.

Purslane extract improves skin hydration with the help of Omega-3 fatty acids. Great for those that are experiencing dryness, especially with colder temperatures on the horizon. Not to mention, this hero extract has telomerase, the enzyme known to be the fountain of youth as its anti-aging top ingredient.

We love this extract because it is also non-irritating and safe for all skin types—which are definitely pros in the oils world. Plus, unlike some skincare ingredients, you can find products with purslane extract at your local drugstore.

Sweet, so how do I use it?

Fortunately, purslane extract can be incorporated into all skincare products. You can select from moisturizers and cleansers, serums and creams. Just make sure you do exactly what the product calls for. For example, when purslane extra is in a serum, you should only use it after you cleanse. But if it’s included in your favorite moisturizer, it should be used after a serum. Translation, the order of your skincare products matters.

Here’s how to pick the best moisturizer for your skin type.

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