Green facelift, herbal Botox, or paracress – the active ingredient spilanthol has many names. But what is behind the so-called purely botanical Botox alternative?
We went in search of answers regarding organic Botox. In this article, you will learn where the active ingredient comes from, how it is obtained, and how paracress or spilanthol works against wrinkles.
What is Spilanthol?
Spilanthol is the name of a natural active ingredient from the Jambu plant (Acmella Oleracea), better known as paracress. Even the Incas valued the plant for its anti-inflammatory and mildly numbing effects.
Paracress has been used for centuries for ailments such as toothaches, headaches, rheumatism, and asthma. The use of paracress or spilanthol in creams and serums is relatively new.
Origin & Extraction of Paracress
Paracress is most widespread in South America, especially in Peru. However, Madagascar is also often cited as a place of origin. The active ingredient spilanthol is extracted from the flowers, leaves, and stems of the paracress plant.
Fun Fact: The plant can also be safely consumed. Chewing the flowers and leaves creates a tingling sensation on the tongue.
How does Paracress or Spilanthol work against wrinkles?
The so-called organic Botox relaxes facial features and can thus alleviate wrinkles and lines. How does this work? When spilanthol is applied to the skin in the form of creams or serums, it acts as a local anesthetic, reducing the contraction of the outermost facial muscles. The result: Smoothed, uncreased skin and a more even complexion.
However: The effect of spilanthol is only temporary. Nevertheless, no habituation effect is expected with its use. [1]
Non-invasive alternative to Botox
As already described in the previous section, paracress or spilanthol, when applied externally, primarily works in the upper layers of the skin. Unlike Botox, no injection is necessary, and you can therefore easily incorporate the active ingredient into your daily skincare routine.
Spilanthol vs. Botox
So-called organic Botox or real Botox? This depends entirely on the desired effect. But for us, there is a clear winner. In the following paragraph, we will tell you which one it is and why:
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Due to its non-invasive application, spilanthol already has a clear advantage over Botox. Creaming instead of injecting – we love it!
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Spilanthol works in the upper skin layers and shows Botox-like results (though not as strong, of course), but it does not paralyze facial muscles, nerves, or facial expressions, unlike Botox. So, there's no need to fear a "frozen face."
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The active ingredient spilanthol is contained in high-quality creams and serums that you can easily apply at home and incorporate into your daily beauty ritual. It couldn't be simpler.
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In addition, the herbal power extract is not only highly effective but also completely natural, automatically qualifying it for our natural organic active ingredient care.
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Last but not least: In terms of effectiveness, one should not expect miracles from the plant extract spilanthol. It does not magically erase wrinkles and fine lines like real Botox, but gently and temporarily smooths them.
Therefore, for us at ruhi, the advantages of spilanthol clearly outweigh those of Botox, and we are already big fans.
But you can use the herbal Botox alternative not only for wrinkle smoothing. Spilanthol has other benefits. But read for yourself…
What are the other benefits of organic Botox?
Spilanthol for Asthma, Rheumatism, Headaches, and Toothaches
Spilanthol is a local anesthetic that was already used by the Incas for various physical ailments. Due to its slightly numbing effect, the active ingredient is wonderfully suitable, for example, for treating headaches and toothaches.
Spilanthol against Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is a recurring skin disease that can be caused by genetic factors or environmental influences. Spilanthol is said to have an anti-inflammatory effect. A study from 2019 demonstrated its positive effect on atopic dermatitis. [2]
Wrinkle Prevention with Spilanthol
Due to its muscle-relaxing effect, spilanthol is suitable not only for reducing but also, and especially, for preventing wrinkles. Unlike Botox, you retain your entire facial expression. The only difference: When laughing, speaking, and with all other facial movements, fewer fine lines appear.
Spilanthol at ruhi
Of course, you can also find the active ingredient spilanthol at ruhi. Our new Bakuchiol Eye Cream Serum is an innovative hybrid of cream and serum based on precious organic active ingredient oils such as organic squalane and organic plum seed oil, as well as organic aloe vera juice and highly effective slow-aging active ingredients specifically for the delicate eye area: 2% paracress complex, bakuchiol, and green coffee bean intensely hydrate, nourish, smooth, firm, and brighten.
How the Bakuchiol Eye Cream Serum Works
The eye cream serum provides long-lasting moisture, intensely nourishes the skin, brightens dark circles, and smooths eye wrinkles with clinically proven efficacy. In addition, the contained adaptogens and antioxidants protect the skin throughout the day from harmful environmental influences and blue light.
Ingredients at a Glance
In addition to the active ingredients mentioned above, the Bakuchiol Eye Cream Serum also contains other hero ingredients:
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2% paracress complex (instantly smooths fine lines)
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0.5% bakuchiol (plant-based retinol alternative)
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Ceramides (strengthen the delicate eye area)
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Red algae extract (has a strong antioxidant effect)
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Butterfly bush (proven to protect against blue light)
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Squalane from organic sugar cane (intensely nourishes)
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1% hyaluronic acid (intensely hydrates)
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Green Arabica coffee beans (reduce puffiness)
Scientifically Proven Efficacy
Two in-vitro studies from 2004 and 2005 concluded that the 2% paracress complex we use significantly improved eye wrinkles (crow's feet) in the test subjects. [3]
Conclusion
If you are looking for a way to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and prevent the formation of new ones, we highly recommend the purely plant-based active ingredient spilanthol. Its application in the form of creams and serums shows Botox-like effects – and all without injections.
Sources
[1] van Wyk B-E. Handbuch der Nahrungspflanzen. Stuttgart 2005:353. – Lautenschläger H. Nervensache – erwünschte und unerwünschte Effekte. Kosmetik Int 2013;62(2):40–42
[2] Huang WC, Huang CH, Hu S, Peng HL, Wu SJ. Topical Spilanthol Inhibits MAPK Signaling and Ameliorates Allergic Inflammation in DNCB-Induced Atopic Dermatitis in Mice. Int J Mol Sci. 2019 May 20;20(10):2490. doi: 10.3390/ijms20102490. PMID: 31137528; PMCID: PMC6566832. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31137528/
[3] Fringes projection evaluation of the anti-wrikles effect on the crow’s feet (study P4-RF03-GE-MI04, Sept 2004 & Jan 2005)
[4] Spilanthol: occurrence, extraction, chemistry and biological activities
[5] Anti-inflammatory effect of spilanthol from Spilanthes acmella (Paracress) on murine macrophage by down-regulating LPS-induced inflammatory mediators
