Evidence supporting the use of: Orchid
For the health condition: Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Orchid extracts, particularly from species such as Dendrobium and Orchis mascula, have a long-standing tradition in Asian skincare and herbal medicine for improving skin hydration and treating dryness. In traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda, orchids are believed to possess moisturizing and nourishing properties, and are often used in creams and lotions intended to soothe dry, flaky skin. The mucilaginous and polysaccharide content in certain orchid species is thought to help retain moisture and protect the skin barrier, which forms the basis of their traditional use.
Scientific evidence, however, remains limited. While some in vitro studies suggest orchid extracts may have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing effects, these studies are few and typically do not use clinical endpoints relevant to dry or flaky skin in humans. Most of the support for using orchid in skincare is anecdotal or based on historical usage rather than robust clinical trials. Therefore, while orchids are used traditionally for dry skin and may have some biologically plausible mechanisms, scientific validation is still lacking, and the overall evidence remains low.
Other ingredients used for Skin (dry and/or flaky)
AcemannanAllantoin
Aloe vera
Alpha hydroxy acids
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
American Liverleaf
argan nut oil
biotin
birch
borage
borage oil
butter
cape aloe
castile soap
chestnut
chickweed
cocoa butter
cod liver oil
colostrum
cowslip
emu oil
evening primrose oil
evening primrose oil
fat liver oil
Ficus religiosa
glyceryl oleate
Glycolic acid
gooseberry
Heartsease
Lilium polyphyllum
linoleic acid (LA)
linseed oil
magnesium
Milkweed
Mucilage
Oak
omega-3 fatty acids
orchid
Panthenol
Phlebodium decumanum
rehmannia glutinosa
rockweed
Rubus
Sargassum
sea salt
Servicetree
silicon
Silk protein
Spikenard
Swertia
vitamin A
vitamin E
Witch Hazel
Zinc
Other health conditions supported by orchid
Appetite (deficient)Asthma
Bronchitis
Burns and Scalds
Cuts
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Eczema
Fatigue
Fever
Gastritis
Headache (general)
Inflammation
Insomnia
Jaundice (adults)
Nervousness
Neuralgia and Neuritis
Pain (general remedies for)
Rashes and Hives
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Skin Care (general)
Sleep (restless and disturbed)
Stress
Ulcers
Wounds and Sores
