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Horsetail
What Is Horsetail in Skincare?
Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) is an ancient, fern-like plant known for its unusually high content of silica, along with antioxidant flavonoids and phenolic acids. In skincare, horsetail extract is used as a toning, conditioning botanical in toners, gels, and eye creams to help skin look smoother, firmer, and refreshed. It is not a source of collagen, despite how it is sometimes marketed; its role is to condition and support the look of firm skin.
EWG Skin Deep rating for Horsetail
Horsetail Quick Facts
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| INCI name | Equisetum Arvense Extract |
| Common names | Horsetail, field horsetail, shavegrass, bottlebrush |
| Source | The green, jointed stems of the horsetail plant, found across North America, Europe, and Asia |
| Form | Liquid extract (in water, glycerin, or glycols) or dry powder |
| Solubility | Water soluble or water dispersible |
| Typical usage rate | Varies by extract strength; follow your supplier's technical data sheet |
| pH range | Works in typical skincare pH of about 4-7 |
| Skin types | All skin types; often used for mature, oily, and combination skin and in eye-area products |
How Horsetail Works on the Skin
Horsetail stems store silica, the mineral that gives the plant its rough, abrasive texture (it was once used to scrub pots, which is where the name "shavegrass" comes from). Silicon is present in human connective tissue, which is why horsetail has a long history in beauty traditions aimed at firm skin, strong nails, and shiny hair. The stems also contain flavonoids and phenolic acids that act as antioxidants, and tannins with a mild astringent, tightening feel. That combination explains its place in toners and refreshing gels.
Clinical research on horsetail in skincare is limited. In a small, non-comparative pilot study by Nojomi and colleagues (2025), 15 women aged 35-55 applied a cream containing horsetail and soybean extracts to the forehead once a day for eight weeks. Wrinkles were graded from clinical photos on a modified Fitzpatrick wrinkle scale, and the average score fell from 8.7 to 6.1. There was no placebo group, the cream contained two plant extracts, and five participants reported mild to moderate irritation, so the study shows promise rather than proof. We describe horsetail as a supporting ingredient, not a stand-alone firming active.
How to Use Horsetail
- Use horsetail as part of a toner, gel, or eye cream once or twice daily after cleansing.
- Combine it with proven firming and smoothing ingredients such as peptides, hyaluronic acid, and Argireline for the look of firmer skin.
- Follow with a moisturizer and daytime sunscreen.
Formulating Notes
- Add water-soluble horsetail extracts to the water phase or at cool-down (below 40°C / 104°F) for emulsions.
- Use at the rate on your supplier's data sheet; extract strengths vary widely between suppliers.
- Horsetail blends easily into aloe vera gel bases and toners, which is one of the simplest ways to use it at home.
- Use a broad-spectrum preservative in any water-based formula and store in a cool, dark place.
Topical Horsetail vs Horsetail Supplements
Much of what you will read about horsetail online is about capsules and teas taken for hair and nails. That is a different use from a skincare extract, with its own research and its own safety questions, and this page covers only what horsetail does when it is applied to the skin. On the skin, horsetail is a conditioning botanical: it brings antioxidants and a mild astringent feel to a formula, and it supports the look of firmer skin when it is paired with proven actives such as peptides and hyaluronic acid. If you are considering a horsetail supplement, talk with your physician first.
Who Horsetail Suits
Horsetail suits most skin types, especially mature skin looking for a firmer, refreshed look, and oily or combination skin that likes a lightly astringent toner. If you have sensitive skin, patch test first (inner arm, 24 hours) and start at the lowest rate in the range, then work up. People with known plant sensitivities should take extra care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is horsetail good for in skin care?
Horsetail extract adds antioxidant and lightly astringent, toning properties. It helps skin look smoother and refreshed in toners, gels, and eye creams.
Does horsetail contain collagen?
No. Plants do not contain collagen. Horsetail is valued for its silica and antioxidants, which condition the skin and support a firmer look.
Is horsetail good around the eyes?
Yes. It is a common botanical in eye creams, combined with peptides and hydrators for the look of firmer, smoother skin.
Is horsetail good for hair?
It is often included in shampoos and conditioners for the look of shinier, healthier-looking hair. Our wording is limited to how hair looks and feels.
Is horsetail safe on skin?
Topical horsetail extract is generally well tolerated, though five of 15 women in a pilot cream study reported mild to moderate irritation. Patch test on the inner arm for 24 hours first.
Is a horsetail supplement the same as horsetail in skincare?
No. This page covers horsetail applied to the skin. Oral supplements are a separate topic; ask your physician before taking any supplement.
Shop Horsetail Products
Find horsetail in our Eye Bright Argireline Cream and our Watermelon Brightening Tonic Facial Mist, or build your own serum with the Aloe Vera Gel Serum Base. Learn about a key partner ingredient on our Argireline page.
Sources
- Nojomi S, Soltanmohammadi F, Azimi Alamdari H, Hamedyazdan S, Mahmoudi Gharehbaba A, Javadzadeh Y. Preparation and evaluation of the effectiveness of an anti-wrinkle cream containing Equisetum arvense and soybean extracts. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025;24(1):e16734. PubMed 39731284
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
About the Author
Written by Kari Thomas, cosmetic formulator and founder of Skin Perfection.