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Ingredient on hair labels

Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract

TheWashDay editorial · Updated · From the EU ingredient register and the makers’ own labels · How we match names

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Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract is on 10 of the 177 hair-product labels we compare, from 6 makers. Its uses in the EU ingredient register include hair conditioning, anti-seborrheic and astringent. One of these labels names it among the first five ingredients.

See it on each label Products without it

What it is

In the register’s words: “Urtica Dioica Extract is an extract of the aerial parts of the Nettle, Urtica dioica L., Urticaceae.”

EU register name (INCI)
URTICA DIOICA EXTRACT
CAS number
84012-40-8
EC number
281-685-5

Labels often add a second name in brackets, so a label may say Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract where the register says URTICA DIOICA EXTRACT. Both are the same ingredient.

What the register lists it for

These are the uses the European Commission’s CosIng register lists for Urtica Dioica (Nettle) 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.

Hair conditioning

The register’s hair role for ingredients that make hair feel softer, smoother or easier to comb. Most conditioners, masks and leave-ins list several.

Register definition: “Enhancing the appearance and feel of hair. Leaving the hair easy to comb, supple, soft and shiny and/or imparting volume, lightness, gloss, texture, etc.”

Anti-seborrheic

The register’s role for ingredients used against the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis, including dandruff. On a label it says why a maker may add it, not that a product treats dandruff.

Register definition: “Preventing or relieving the symptoms of seborrhea and/or seborrheic dermatitis, including dandruff.”

Astringent

Gives skin a tighter feel. Witch hazel and some plant extracts carry this role.

Register definition: “Contracting and/or tightening the skin.”

Skin conditioning

The register’s broad role for ingredients that keep skin in good condition. On a hair label it often sits beside a hair role, or marks a plant oil or extract.

Register definition: “Maintaining the skin in good condition.”

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.

Every label, product by product (10)

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

Find products without Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract Check every name on your own label All ingredients on the labels we compare

Other hair conditioning ingredients on these 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.