Spilanthol – plant-based botox for smoother-looking skin

INCI: Spilanthes Acmella Extract

Typical origin: Brazil, Peru, India, Thailand

Key benefit: Gently relaxes the superficial facial muscles and visibly smooths expression lines.

The plant active spilanthol from paracress, often referred to as “bio-botox” or “plant-based botox,” is known for its muscle-relaxing and skin-smoothing properties. Learn more about its origin and how it works on the skin here.

Spilanthol: the power of paracress for your skin

Spilanthol is the characteristic alkylamide found in paracress (Acmella oleracea) and is valued for its muscle-relaxing and skin-smoothing properties. As a small molecule, spilanthol can penetrate the skin easily and work in a targeted way. It consists of small molecules that act intensively on the skin. In cosmetics, the oily extract from the flowers and leaves is used in particular, as this is where the highest concentration of spilanthol is found.

Paracress – a tropical plant with a long tradition

Paracress is an annual, herbaceous member of the daisy family with distinctive yellow, button-shaped flowers. It grows primarily in warm, tropical regions and can reach up to 40 cm in height. In South American traditional medicine, the plant has been valued for centuries. It is traditionally used for toothache, rheumatism, gout and skin fungus.

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How spilanthol smooths the skin

Spilanthol may reduce the contraction of superficial facial muscles, helping to minimise expression lines. By relaxing the uppermost muscle fibres, it can help soften facial features and create a smoother look. This is why it is often called “plant-based botox.” The key difference compared to conventional botox is that spilanthol does not block nerve impulses or paralyse the muscles; instead, it gently relaxes them, fully preserving natural facial expressions.