Trendy Alert: Mugwort Benefits For Skin

There's a new "it" ingredient in skincare and it's mugwort! 

If you are a skincare junkie, you know that Koreans are never wrong when it comes to skincare, that’s why mugwort is all the rage right now! 

From soothing dry and irritated skin to treating acne-prone skin, this buzz-worthy ingredient has been used in traditional Korean medicine and now it has become one of the trendiest ingredients in the K-beauty industry. 

But what are the benefits of mugwort for skin? Is it worth incorporating into your skincare routine or it is just another Korean trend that will pass sooner rather than later? 

Keep reading to find out!

Mugwhat?: WTH is mugwort?

Let’s be honest: If you ask any Westerner why they think mugwort is good for skin, they're likely to give you a blank stare. 

Mugwort is a common weed *don’t panic here, it is not what you think* that grows in many gardens. It has long, thin leaves and small, yellow flowers. However, it is often considered a nuisance by gardeners because it can crowd out other plants. 

But you know what they say: never judge a book by its cover. Mugwort is actually a powerful ingredient and it is widely used in Korean skin care products *no wonder why everyone there has glowy skin!*

For one thing, mugwort, also known as Artemisia Vulgaris, is rich in antioxidants, which can help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Additionally, mugwort contains a compound called artemisinin, which has been shown to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. As a result, mugwort can help to soothe irritated skin and reduce inflammation, making it ideal for acne-prone and sensitive skin. Finally, mugwort can also promote healing by stimulating the production of new skin cells. 

Benefits of mugwort for skin

If your skin needs a little extra TLC, mugwort skincare products will become your next bestie! This does-it-all plant is safe for all skin types and has an infinite amount of skincare benefits, however, here are our fave ones: 

1. Anti-inflammatory properties

If you are struggling with inflammation, mugwort may be the answer to all your woes! 

This healing herb contains several compounds that can decrease inflammation, including flavonoids, terpenoids, and tannins, which can work by reducing irritation and stimulating new cell growth. 

In fact, since it can treat irritated skin effectively, mugwort has become a key ingredient for those that have eczema, acne, and psoriasis 

2. Naturally kills bacteria

If you're like us, you've probably tried just about everything to get rid of acne. Lotions, potions, creams, antibiotics...you name it, we’ve tried it. But nothing seems to work. So when we heard about mugwort, we were obviously skeptical. Come on...plants can't really kill bacteria, can they? 

But turns out, mugwort is actually pretty amazing stuff. It's loaded with antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that make it really effective for acne-prone skin 

Mugwort is loaded with artemisinin, a powerful antibacterial agent that targets the proteins in bacteria cells, causing them to break down and die. This makes mugwort an excellent natural remedy to treat breakouts. 

3. Ideal for sensitive skin types

If you have sensitive skin, you know that finding products that won't irritate your skin can be a challenge. That's why mugwort is such a godsend. In fact, it's also great for people who suffer from allergies or chemical skin sensitivities.

Mugwort’s soothing benefits and healing properties can help to calm your skin and reduce redness. That’s why it is so good to incorporate mugwort if you have sensitive skin. 

4. Moisturizing properties

Seriously, is there anything mugwort can’t do? In addition to being amazing for sensitive skin, this do-it-all ingredient is also especially helpful for cracked, dry skin. Mugwort can increase blood circulation to the skin, helping the skin retain moisture and preventing premature aging signs. 

5. Rich in antioxidants

We all have heard about vitamin E and vitamin C and how amazing they are to protect the skin barrier, but did you know that mugwort can do the same thing for your skin? 

Mugwort is an amazing source of vitamin E and C, meaning that it can help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals, pollution, and ultraviolet rays. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause oxidative stress, leading to inflammation and a host of other skin conditions.

Additionally, antioxidants can get rid of dead skin cells, which can clog pores and cause acne breakouts, and are a good collagen stimulator, meaning that they can even out the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, which is good for mature skin. 

6. Antifungal properties

Who would have thought that a little plant could have such big powers? But apparently, mugwort does! 

While there is no scientific evidence to support this claim, mugwort does contain a number of compounds that have antifungal activity. In fact, one study found that a compound isolated from mugwort was effective in killing a type of fungus that often infects the skin. 

While more research is needed to confirm these results, it seems that mugwort may indeed have some antifungal properties. 

Our Fave Mugwort Skincare Products

If you have a sensitive skin type, suffer from acne breakouts, or have irritation, here’s something you need to know: you can find mugwort in soothing Korean skincare products! 

The compounds can go from mugwort essence, mugwort extract, and even mugwort powder, all of them safe for all skin types and with the amazing skincare benefits of this healing herb. 

So, if you are ready to include mugwort skincare products in your routine, here are our top 3 K-beauty products with mugwort: 

1. Beauty of Joseon Centella Asiatica Calming Mask

If you are obsessed with K-beauty, you must have heard everything there is to know about Centella Asiatica: soothing and calming effects, ideal for sensitive skin, and with protective powers against inflammation. There’s no wonder why a CICA and mugwort mask is such a good idea! 

This super-charged sheet mask is here to save the day for your sensitive skin! Packed with 15% CICQ extract, 3 types of hyaluronic acids, and our “it” ingredient *aka mugwort essence*. this mask is a powerful weapon against irritation and sensitivity. 

Plus, it is suitable for all skin types! So, no matter if you have dry skin or acne-prone skin, this product will work wonders for you! 

2. G9SKIN Honey Eye Patch

Cause your eyes' skin can be inflamed too! 

The G9SKIN Honey Eye Patch gives you the best of both worlds: the moisturizing benefits of honey and the anti-inflammatory properties of mugwort, resulting in de-puff eyes without those annoying dark circles. 

This is a suitable treatment for all skin types and you can include them in your skincare routine 3 times a week. 

3. Etude House - 0.2mm Therapy Air Mask - Artemisia

Etude House's 0.2mm Therapy Air Mask in Artemisia is the perfect way to give your skin a little pick-me-up! 

This mask is perfect for those who are looking to soothe and relieve their skin of stress. The Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract *aka Korea mugwort* helps to clear and brighten the skin, leaving you with a radiant complexion. 

Additionally, it is super thin, so you'll barely even feel it on your face! Plus, it's easy to use - just peel it off and apply it to your clean, dry face. Leave on for 10-20 minutes, then remove and discard. 

Your skin will thank you for using this mask!

Where to find mugwort skincare products

 So, what’s the verdict? Is mugwort worth all the hype? We think so! 

This ingredient is a Korean skincare fave right now and it is time for you to try it and enjoy all the mugwort benefits for skin. 

If you want to jump on the bandwagon and try out this trendy ingredient for yourself, be sure to check out our shop for some of our favorite mugwort goodies and more! 

And don’t forget to tell us what you think – we love hearing from our readers!