Melissa Officinalis Worst Fragrance Synthetic and Natural Anti-Ageing Melissa Officinalis at a glance Commonly known as lemon balm Has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties Certain components can protect skin against blue light and improve barrier function Oil is sensitizing and can cause allergic contact dermatitis Melissa Officinalis description _Melissa officinalis_ is a type of herbaceous plant originating in Southern Europe. It is commonly known as lemon balm and has been used for centuries as both a perfume ingredient and a natural remedy for both internal and external ailments. As with many other plant-based skin care ingredients, _which_ part of the plant is used can make a difference in whether it’s considered a good or bad addition to a product. Research finds that lemon balm extract is rich in antioxidants and has antimicrobial properties. Recent studies even suggest that cultured cells from _Melissa officinalis_ might be effective in protecting skin from blue light and infrared damage. Rosmarinic acid, an antioxidant found in lemon balm, can also help improve skin’s barrier. Unfortunately, _Melissa officinalis_ oil contains volatile compounds that can trigger skin irritation and sensitization, resulting in allergic contact dermatitis – another reason it’s so important to thoroughly investigate ingredient labels before choosing a skin care product! Related ingredients: Lemon Balm