What it is
In the register’s words: “Equisetum Arvense Extract is an extract of the sterile caules of the Horsetail, Equisetum arvense L., Equisetaceae.”
- EU register name (INCI)
- EQUISETUM ARVENSE EXTRACT
- CAS number
- 71011-23-9
- EC number
- 275-123-8
- Written on these labels as
- Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail) Extract; Equisetum Arvense Extract; Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail Grass) Extract
Labels often add a second name in brackets, so a label may say Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail) Extract where the register says EQUISETUM ARVENSE EXTRACT. Both are the same ingredient.
What the register lists it for
These are the uses the European Commission’s CosIng register lists for Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail) Extract in any cosmetic, hair roles first. They say why a maker might add it, not what it does in one formula, and they aren’t a safety rating.
- Emollient
-
Oils, butters and similar ingredients that make a surface feel soft and smooth. On hair they coat the strand; many plant oils carry this role.
Register definition: “Acting as lubricants on the skin surface providing the skin with a soft and smooth appearance.”
- Astringent
-
Gives skin a tighter feel. Witch hazel and some plant extracts carry this role.
Register definition: “Contracting and/or tightening the skin.”
- Soothing
-
Eases discomfort of the skin or scalp. It describes the feel, not a treatment.
Register definition: “Lightening discomfort of the skin or of the scalp.”
- Tonic
-
The register’s role for ingredients said to give skin and hair a feeling of well-being. Many plant extracts carry it.
Register definition: “Producing a feeling of well-being on skin and hair.”
Where it sits on each label
US labels list ingredients from most to least, except that those at 1% or less may follow in any order. A name near the top is a large part of the formula. A label doesn’t mark where the 1% point falls, so further down, the order says little about how much is in it.
- Shampoos 1 label First five names: 0 of 1 Shampoos without it
- Rinse-out conditioners 2 labels First five names: 0 of 2 Rinse-out conditioners without it
- Deep conditioners 2 labels First five names: 0 of 2 Deep conditioners without it
- Stylers 3 labels First five names: 0 of 3 Stylers without it
- Hair oils 1 label First five names: 0 of 1 Hair oils without it
- Curl refreshers 1 label First five names: 0 of 1 Curl refreshers without it
Every label, product by product (10)
- Mielle Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo Shampoo · listed as Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail Grass) Extract 17th of 31 names
- Jessicurl Too Shea! Extra Moisturizing Conditioner Rinse-out conditioner 10th of 31 names
- Bounce Curl Super Smooth Cream Conditioner Rinse-out conditioner · listed as **Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail) Extract 25th of 34 names
- Jessicurl Deep Conditioning Treatment Deep conditioner 8th of 30 names
- Mielle Rosemary Mint Strengthening Hair Masque Deep conditioner · listed as Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail Grass) Extract 23rd of 37 names
- Rizos Curls Light Hold Gel Styler · listed as Equisetum Arvense Extract 12th of 29 names
- Camille Rose Curl Maker Styler 8th of 18 names
- Giovanni L.A. Hold Styling Gel Styler · listed as *Equisetum Arvense Extract 16th of 22 names
- Mielle Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil Hair oil 10th of 32 names
- Rizos Curls Refresh & Detangle Spray Curl refresher · listed as Equisetum Arvense Extract 17th of 25 names
Each line runs from the first name on a label to the last; a dot is where this ingredient sits. Makers change formulas now and then; if the list on your bottle differs, go by your bottle.
Your next step
Other emollient ingredients on these labels
- Cetearyl Alcohol 80 labels
- Cetyl Alcohol 45 labels
- Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil 31 labels
- Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil 25 labels
- Stearyl Alcohol 23 labels
- Glyceryl Stearate 15 labels
- Glycol Distearate 15 labels
- Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate 15 labels
Updated · The name, numbers and uses come from the European Commission’s CosIng entry (CC BY 4.0); we write the uses in US spelling and put the hair ones first. The labels are each maker’s own. The order rule is the FDA’s Cosmetics Labeling Guide. All our sources are on the Sources page.