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 horsetail extract (Equisetum arvense). 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.
Please note: The human studies on this page tested a horsetail ointment on healing after childbirth (a medical use) and a silicon supplement taken by mouth. ORY® horsetail products are cosmetics and are not intended to heal wounds or to grow or strengthen hair from within.
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: Horsetail extract comes from the stems of field horsetail (Equisetum arvense), a plant rich in silica. In ORY® products, it helps skin look refreshed and toned and helps hair and nails look and feel stronger and smoother. |
Verification: Limited evidence. We did not locate a Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) conclusion for horsetail extract. Its use in hair and nail care is largely traditional.
Citations:
- Wickett, R. R., Kossmann, E., Barel, A., et al. (2007). Effect of oral intake of choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid on hair tensile strength and morphology in women with fine hair. Archives of Dermatological Research, 299(10), 499–505. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-007-0796-z
- What it shows: Oral silicon study (not topical).
- Wickett, R. R., Kossmann, E., Barel, A., et al. (2007). Effect of oral intake of choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid on hair tensile strength and morphology in women with fine hair. Archives of Dermatological Research, 299(10), 499–505. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-007-0796-z
2. Composition and Production
Claim: Horsetail extract contains silicic acid (silica), flavonoids, phenolic acids, and tannins. ORY® specifies Equisetum arvense, not marsh horsetail. |
Verification: Supported. Silica is the component traditionally linked to hair and nails.
Citations:
- Wickett, R. R., Kossmann, E., Barel, A., et al. (2007). Effect of oral intake of choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid on hair tensile strength and morphology in women with fine hair. Archives of Dermatological Research, 299(10), 499–505. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-007-0796-z
- What it shows: Silicon and hair.
- Wickett, R. R., Kossmann, E., Barel, A., et al. (2007). Effect of oral intake of choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid on hair tensile strength and morphology in women with fine hair. Archives of Dermatological Research, 299(10), 499–505. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-007-0796-z
3. Skin Type Suitability
Claim: Horsetail extract suits most skin types; its astringency suits oily skin best. |
Verification: Limited evidence. We found no cosmetic studies on specific skin types. A horsetail ointment was tested on healing after episiotomy, a medical use.
Citations:
- Asgharikhatooni, A., Bani, S., Hasanpoor, S., Mohammad Alizade, S., & Javadzadeh, Y. (2015). The effect of Equisetum arvense (horse tail) ointment on wound healing and pain intensity after episiotomy: A randomized placebo-controlled trial. Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal, 17(3), e25637. https://doi.org/10.5812/ircmj.25637
- What it shows: Randomized trial (a medical use).
- Asgharikhatooni, A., Bani, S., Hasanpoor, S., Mohammad Alizade, S., & Javadzadeh, Y. (2015). The effect of Equisetum arvense (horse tail) ointment on wound healing and pain intensity after episiotomy: A randomized placebo-controlled trial. Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal, 17(3), e25637. https://doi.org/10.5812/ircmj.25637
4. Hair and Scalp Suitability
Claim: In haircare, horsetail extract helps hair look and feel stronger and smoother. |
Verification: Limited evidence. A study of silicon taken by mouth improved hair strength in women with fine hair; this does not show that topical horsetail does the same. ORY® does not make hair-growth claims.
Citations:
- Wickett, R. R., Kossmann, E., Barel, A., et al. (2007). Effect of oral intake of choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid on hair tensile strength and morphology in women with fine hair. Archives of Dermatological Research, 299(10), 499–505. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-007-0796-z
- What it shows: Oral supplement study.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 310.527 — Drug products offered over-the-counter for external use as hair growers or for hair loss prevention. https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/21/310.527
- What it shows: FDA hair-growth rule.
- Wickett, R. R., Kossmann, E., Barel, A., et al. (2007). Effect of oral intake of choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid on hair tensile strength and morphology in women with fine hair. Archives of Dermatological Research, 299(10), 499–505. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-007-0796-z
5. Benefits
Claim: Horsetail extract helps skin feel toned and helps hair and nails look healthy. |
Verification: Limited evidence. Evidence for topical cosmetic benefits is limited; wound-healing results are medical and not a cosmetic claim.
Citations:
- Asgharikhatooni, A., Bani, S., Hasanpoor, S., Mohammad Alizade, S., & Javadzadeh, Y. (2015). The effect of Equisetum arvense (horse tail) ointment on wound healing and pain intensity after episiotomy: A randomized placebo-controlled trial. Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal, 17(3), e25637. https://doi.org/10.5812/ircmj.25637
- What it shows: Medical-use trial.
- Asgharikhatooni, A., Bani, S., Hasanpoor, S., Mohammad Alizade, S., & Javadzadeh, Y. (2015). The effect of Equisetum arvense (horse tail) ointment on wound healing and pain intensity after episiotomy: A randomized placebo-controlled trial. Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal, 17(3), e25637. https://doi.org/10.5812/ircmj.25637
6. Use Across ORY® Product Lines
Claim: Horsetail extract is used in all four ORY® product lines. |
Verification: Supported. In soap it is used as a powder or infused oil for color and gentle exfoliation.
| Product line | Typical level | How ORY® uses it |
| Skincare | 1–5% | Toners, masks, oily-skin serums, and nail and cuticle treatments. |
| Haircare | 1–5% | Shampoos, conditioners, scalp tonics, and rinses. |
| Handmade Soap | 1–2 tsp powder per lb; 5–10% infused oil | Green flecks and gentle scrub. |
| Cosmetics | 0.5–2% | Nail treatments, lash and brow serums, and primers. |
Citations:
- Wickett, R. R., Kossmann, E., Barel, A., et al. (2007). Effect of oral intake of choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid on hair tensile strength and morphology in women with fine hair. Archives of Dermatological Research, 299(10), 499–505. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-007-0796-z
- What it shows: Silicon background.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 701.20 — Definition of “soap” (only true soap, made mainly of alkali salts of fatty acids and sold only as soap, is exempt from cosmetic rules). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-701/subpart-B/section-701.20
- What it shows: FDA definition of soap; other bars are cosmetics.
- Wickett, R. R., Kossmann, E., Barel, A., et al. (2007). Effect of oral intake of choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid on hair tensile strength and morphology in women with fine hair. Archives of Dermatological Research, 299(10), 499–505. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-007-0796-z
7. Pros
Claim: A traditional botanical for hair and nail care. |
Verification: Limited evidence. Mostly traditional evidence.
Citations:
- Wickett, R. R., Kossmann, E., Barel, A., et al. (2007). Effect of oral intake of choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid on hair tensile strength and morphology in women with fine hair. Archives of Dermatological Research, 299(10), 499–505. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-007-0796-z
- What it shows: Silicon research.
- Wickett, R. R., Kossmann, E., Barel, A., et al. (2007). Effect of oral intake of choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid on hair tensile strength and morphology in women with fine hair. Archives of Dermatological Research, 299(10), 499–505. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-007-0796-z
8. Cons
Claim: Topical horsetail evidence is limited, and there is no CIR conclusion. |
Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:
- Traditional evidence. Silicon data are from oral use.
- Drying. Astringent for dry skin.
- Species. E. arvense only.
- No CIR conclusion.
Citations:
- Wickett, R. R., Kossmann, E., Barel, A., et al. (2007). Effect of oral intake of choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid on hair tensile strength and morphology in women with fine hair. Archives of Dermatological Research, 299(10), 499–505. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-007-0796-z
- What it shows: Oral data.
- Wickett, R. R., Kossmann, E., Barel, A., et al. (2007). Effect of oral intake of choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid on hair tensile strength and morphology in women with fine hair. Archives of Dermatological Research, 299(10), 499–505. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-007-0796-z
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.
- Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs, and talk to a healthcare provider.
- For external use only. Avoid the eyes unless the product is made for the eye area.
- If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, ask a healthcare provider before use.
Citations:
- Asgharikhatooni, A., Bani, S., Hasanpoor, S., Mohammad Alizade, S., & Javadzadeh, Y. (2015). The effect of Equisetum arvense (horse tail) ointment on wound healing and pain intensity after episiotomy: A randomized placebo-controlled trial. Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal, 17(3), e25637. https://doi.org/10.5812/ircmj.25637
- What it shows: Topical use was tolerated in a clinical trial.
- Asgharikhatooni, A., Bani, S., Hasanpoor, S., Mohammad Alizade, S., & Javadzadeh, Y. (2015). The effect of Equisetum arvense (horse tail) ointment on wound healing and pain intensity after episiotomy: A randomized placebo-controlled trial. Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal, 17(3), e25637. https://doi.org/10.5812/ircmj.25637
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 the look and feel of hair and scalp comfort. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss.
- ORY® Handmade Soap: Handmade soap is naturally alkaline, and each bar may vary slightly in color, scent, and texture. Scented soap may bother sensitive skin. Not intended to treat eczema or any skin condition.
- ORY® Cosmetics: Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.
11. References
Peer-reviewed research
- Asgharikhatooni, A., Bani, S., Hasanpoor, S., Mohammad Alizade, S., & Javadzadeh, Y. (2015). The effect of Equisetum arvense (horse tail) ointment on wound healing and pain intensity after episiotomy: A randomized placebo-controlled trial. Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal, 17(3), e25637. https://doi.org/10.5812/ircmj.25637
- Wickett, R. R., Kossmann, E., Barel, A., et al. (2007). Effect of oral intake of choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid on hair tensile strength and morphology in women with fine hair. Archives of Dermatological Research, 299(10), 499–505. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-007-0796-z
Government and regulatory sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 310.527 — Drug products offered over-the-counter for external use as hair growers or for hair loss prevention. https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/21/310.527
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 701.20 — Definition of “soap” (only true soap, made mainly of alkali salts of fatty acids and sold only as soap, is exempt from cosmetic rules). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-701/subpart-B/section-701.20
