At ORY®, we believe you should know what’s in your products and why. This page lists the published research behind what we say about feverfew extract. Each section starts with our claim, then tells you how well the research supports it, then lists the sources so you can read them yourself.
How to read this page Supported — backed by peer-reviewed research or official safety reviews. Supported, with caveats — the research points this way, but mostly from laboratory or animal studies, or at different strengths than ORY® uses. Limited evidence — little or no published research yet. We say so openly. |
1. General Description and Role
Claim: Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a daisy-family herb. ORY® uses only parthenolide-free feverfew extract, which helps calm the look of redness, helps skin feel comfortable when using stronger products, and provides antioxidant support. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. Research on parthenolide-free feverfew found antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in lab studies, and in a human test it reduced skin redness 24 hours after UV exposure compared with placebo. We found no completed CIR safety assessment for feverfew.
Citations:
- Martin, K., Sur, R., Liebel, F., et al. (2008). Parthenolide-depleted feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) protects skin from UV irradiation and external aggression. Archives of Dermatological Research, 300(2), 69–80. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-007-0818-x
- What it shows: Lab, animal, and human UV-redness studies of parthenolide-free feverfew.
- Sur, R., Martin, K., Liebel, F., Lyte, P., Shapiro, S., & Southall, M. (2009). Anti-inflammatory activity of parthenolide-depleted feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium). Inflammopharmacology, 17(1), 42–49. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10787-008-8040-9
- What it shows: Lab studies of anti-inflammatory activity.
- Martin, K., Sur, R., Liebel, F., et al. (2008). Parthenolide-depleted feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) protects skin from UV irradiation and external aggression. Archives of Dermatological Research, 300(2), 69–80. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-007-0818-x
2. Composition and Production
Claim: Feverfew extract is made from leaves and flowers, then processed to remove parthenolide, a known skin allergen. It contains flavonoids such as apigenin and luteolin and phenolic acids. ORY® requires a certificate showing parthenolide is not detectable. |
Verification: Supported. The need to remove parthenolide and the extract’s composition are documented.
Citations:
- Martin, K., Sur, R., Liebel, F., et al. (2008). Parthenolide-depleted feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) protects skin from UV irradiation and external aggression. Archives of Dermatological Research, 300(2), 69–80. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-007-0818-x
- What it shows: Describes parthenolide-depleted feverfew.
- Paulsen, E., et al. (2010). Patch test reactivity to feverfew-containing creams in feverfew-allergic patients. Contact Dermatitis. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0536.2010.01743.x
- What it shows: Allergy to feverfew in sensitized patients.
- Martin, K., Sur, R., Liebel, F., et al. (2008). Parthenolide-depleted feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) protects skin from UV irradiation and external aggression. Archives of Dermatological Research, 300(2), 69–80. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-007-0818-x
3. Skin Type Suitability
Claim: Parthenolide-free feverfew suits sensitive, dry, normal, combination, mature, and oily skin, and helps skin feel comfortable alongside retinol or acids. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. Suitability for sensitive skin is supported by lab and limited human data. Feverfew-allergic people may react even to feverfew-containing creams.
Citations:
- Martin, K., Sur, R., Liebel, F., et al. (2008). Parthenolide-depleted feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) protects skin from UV irradiation and external aggression. Archives of Dermatological Research, 300(2), 69–80. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-007-0818-x
- What it shows: Human redness data.
- Paulsen, E., et al. (2010). Patch test reactivity to feverfew-containing creams in feverfew-allergic patients. Contact Dermatitis. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0536.2010.01743.x
- What it shows: Reactions in feverfew-allergic patients.
- Martin, K., Sur, R., Liebel, F., et al. (2008). Parthenolide-depleted feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) protects skin from UV irradiation and external aggression. Archives of Dermatological Research, 300(2), 69–80. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-007-0818-x
4. Hair and Scalp Suitability
Claim: In haircare, feverfew helps a sensitive scalp feel calm and comfortable. |
Verification: Limited evidence. We found no clinical studies of feverfew on the scalp. ORY® haircare products are not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions.
Citations:
- Sur, R., Martin, K., Liebel, F., Lyte, P., Shapiro, S., & Southall, M. (2009). Anti-inflammatory activity of parthenolide-depleted feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium). Inflammopharmacology, 17(1), 42–49. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10787-008-8040-9
- What it shows: Lab data only.
- Sur, R., Martin, K., Liebel, F., Lyte, P., Shapiro, S., & Southall, M. (2009). Anti-inflammatory activity of parthenolide-depleted feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium). Inflammopharmacology, 17(1), 42–49. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10787-008-8040-9
5. Benefits
Claim: Parthenolide-free feverfew helps reduce the look of redness, provides antioxidant support, and helps skin feel comfortable. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. In lab tests it scavenged free radicals more strongly than vitamin C, and in a human test it reduced UV-induced redness versus placebo. ORY® products are not sunscreens and make no sun-protection claims.
Citations:
- Martin, K., Sur, R., Liebel, F., et al. (2008). Parthenolide-depleted feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) protects skin from UV irradiation and external aggression. Archives of Dermatological Research, 300(2), 69–80. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-007-0818-x
- What it shows: Antioxidant and human redness findings.
- Sur, R., Martin, K., Liebel, F., Lyte, P., Shapiro, S., & Southall, M. (2009). Anti-inflammatory activity of parthenolide-depleted feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium). Inflammopharmacology, 17(1), 42–49. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10787-008-8040-9
- What it shows: Anti-inflammatory lab findings.
- Martin, K., Sur, R., Liebel, F., et al. (2008). Parthenolide-depleted feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) protects skin from UV irradiation and external aggression. Archives of Dermatological Research, 300(2), 69–80. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-007-0818-x
6. Use Across ORY® Product Lines
Claim: Parthenolide-free feverfew is used in all four ORY® product lines. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. Benefits are modest in rinse-off products. We found no data on how much survives soapmaking.
| Product line | Typical level | How ORY® uses it |
| Skincare | 0.5–2% | Serums, creams, after-shave products, and eye creams. |
| Haircare | 0.2–1% | Shampoos, conditioners, and scalp serums. |
| Handmade Soap | 0.5–1% of oil weight | Added at trace. |
| Cosmetics | 0.2–1% | Foundations and primers. |
Citations:
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap
- What it shows: FDA explains how soap is regulated.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap
7. Pros
Claim: Strong antioxidant activity, water-soluble, and gentle when parthenolide-free. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. Supported by lab and limited human research.
Citations:
- Martin, K., Sur, R., Liebel, F., et al. (2008). Parthenolide-depleted feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) protects skin from UV irradiation and external aggression. Archives of Dermatological Research, 300(2), 69–80. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-007-0818-x
- What it shows: Evidence.
- Martin, K., Sur, R., Liebel, F., et al. (2008). Parthenolide-depleted feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) protects skin from UV irradiation and external aggression. Archives of Dermatological Research, 300(2), 69–80. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-007-0818-x
8. Cons
Claim: Feverfew must be parthenolide-free, can still affect daisy-allergic people, and has limited human data. |
Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:
- Parthenolide. Regular feverfew is a documented allergen.
- Daisy-family allergy. Patch test if allergic to ragweed or chamomile.
- Limited human studies. Most evidence is from the lab.
- Rinse-off limits. Modest benefit in soap and shampoo.
Citations:
- Paulsen, E., et al. (2010). Patch test reactivity to feverfew-containing creams in feverfew-allergic patients. Contact Dermatitis. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0536.2010.01743.x
- What it shows: Allergy data.
- Paulsen, E., et al. (2010). Patch test reactivity to feverfew-containing creams in feverfew-allergic patients. Contact Dermatitis. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0536.2010.01743.x
9. Safety Notes
Claim: Patch test before use; for external use only. |
Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:
- Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
- If you are allergic to ragweed, chamomile, daisies, or other plants in the daisy (Asteraceae) family, patch test carefully or avoid this product.
- Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs, and talk to a healthcare provider.
- For external use only. Avoid the eyes. Do not use on broken or seriously damaged skin.
- If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, ask a healthcare provider before use.
Citations:
- Paulsen, E., et al. (2010). Patch test reactivity to feverfew-containing creams in feverfew-allergic patients. Contact Dermatitis. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0536.2010.01743.x
- What it shows: Allergy data.
- Paulsen, E., et al. (2010). Patch test reactivity to feverfew-containing creams in feverfew-allergic patients. Contact Dermatitis. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0536.2010.01743.x
10. Product-line notes
- ORY® Skincare: For external use only. Not for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
- ORY® Haircare: Designed for scalp comfort and the look and feel of hair. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss. If you notice sudden shedding or a persistent itchy, flaking scalp, see a dermatologist.
- ORY® Handmade Soap: Handmade soap is naturally alkaline, and each bar may vary slightly in color, scent, and texture. Not intended to treat eczema or any skin condition.
- ORY® Cosmetics: Lip products are not intended to treat or protect chapped or cracked lips. Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.
11. References
Peer-reviewed research
- Martin, K., Sur, R., Liebel, F., et al. (2008). Parthenolide-depleted feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) protects skin from UV irradiation and external aggression. Archives of Dermatological Research, 300(2), 69–80. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-007-0818-x
- Paulsen, E., et al. (2010). Patch test reactivity to feverfew-containing creams in feverfew-allergic patients. Contact Dermatitis. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0536.2010.01743.x
- Sur, R., Martin, K., Liebel, F., Lyte, P., Shapiro, S., & Southall, M. (2009). Anti-inflammatory activity of parthenolide-depleted feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium). Inflammopharmacology, 17(1), 42–49. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10787-008-8040-9
Government and regulatory sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap
