If you’re on the lookout for the next “it” ingredient in skincare, meet mugwort—a botanical that’s emerging as a buzzy trend in the industry.

Hailing from the genus Artemisia, this centuries-old herb has been a staple in East Asian traditional medicine, while in Central Europe it has been long used as kitchen seasoning  but its skincare benefits are now stealing the spotlight. Packed with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties, mugwort is beloved for calming sensitive skin, tackling redness, and nourishing the skin barrier.

What started as a K-beauty trend has now spread globally, with mugwort-infused cleansers, toners, serums, and masks becoming must-haves in skincare routines. But what makes this humble herb so sought-after these days?

In this eyva article, get to know this rising skincare ingredient and take a glimpse into the current market trends.

‍

Benefits of Mugwort on the Skin

1. Fights Skin-Damaging Free Radicals (Antioxidant Properties)

Mugwort is packed with antioxidants, which help protect the skin from damage caused by pollution, UV rays, and stress. Think of antioxidants like a shield that stops tiny, harmful atoms or molecules (free radicals) from breaking down the skin’s collagen layer over time. By doing this, mugwort helps keep the skin looking younger, brighter, and more refreshed—an effect comparable to, and sometimes more effective than, that of ascorbic acid or vitamin C.

2. Soothes Redness and Irritation (Anti-Inflammatory Effects)

For skin that gets easily irritated, red, or inflamed, mugwort can be a game-changer. It has natural calming properties that help reduce redness and discomfort, making it great for people with sensitive skin, rosacea, or inflammation from breakouts. Its ability to ease irritation means the skin can recover faster, leaving it looking and feeling healthier.

3. Helps Keep Breakouts in Check (Anti-Acne Benefits)

Mugwort has antibacterial properties that fight acne-causing bacteria, helping to keep breakouts under control. It works like a natural cleanser, clearing out the bacteria that feast from excess sebum in clogged pores and lead to pimples. This makes it a great ingredient for acne-prone skin, as it helps prevent breakouts without being harsh or drying.

4. Keeps Skin Firm and Smooth (Anti-Aging and Anti-Wrinkle Effects)

Drawing from a controlled animal study, mugwort could potentially protect the skin from signs of aging by preventing damage from the sun and other environmental factors. It helps the skin stay firm and smooth by supporting collagen production, which keeps wrinkles and fine lines from forming too quickly. Using mugwort regularly can help the skin stay plump, youthful, and glowing over time.

‍

Two Types of Mugwort In Skincare

Although this article has been addressing mugwort as a whole up to this point, there are actually different species of mugwort being used in skincare, with Artemisia vulgaris and Artemisia princeps being the most common. They are often found in essences, serums, creams, and masks, either as a pure extract, fermented derivative, or essential oil. 

Although seemingly similar, the two have slight differences in terms of their applications and effects:

Artemisia Vulgaris

Artemisia vulgaris is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also currently the most widely used form of mugwort in skincare formulations.

Artemisia Princeps (Yomogi)

Meanwhile, yomogi—also known as Japanese mugwort—has been gaining popularity for its anti-inflammatory, hydrating, and skin-calming properties. 

‍

{{newsletter}}

‍

Artemisia Search Trends

This upward trajectory across the countries observed suggests a growing awareness and demand for Artemisia-infused skincare products in the West.

When looking at search combinations, it becomes clear that German consumers are particularly interested in “beifuß + japanischer” (mugwort + Japanese), indicating that Germans are becoming increasingly interested in Japanese mugwort. This is then reflected in the 5.4K monthly search volume and +16% YoY growth of yomogi in Germany. 

‍

‍

Growing search combinations also show that consumers are particularly interested in Artemisia’s ability to calm, hydrate, and soothe the skin. For Mugwort, the most common search pairings include "beifuß + beruhigend" (calming), "beifuß + creme" (cream), and "beifuß + wash", reflecting an emphasis on its soothing benefits. 

Additionally, there is a noticeable uptick in searches for Mugwort-based skincare formulations and product types, indicating that users are exploring different skincare formats to incorporate this ingredient into their routines. Notably, terms such as "beifuß + ausschlag" (rash relief) and "beifuß + wash" suggest that consumers may be looking for solutions to skin irritation and inflammatory conditions, reinforcing Artemisia’s reputation as a skin-soothing agent.

‍

Mugwort Skincare Products In The German Market: Growth, Trends, and Key Players

***The data presented is the aggregate of products containing either Artemisia vulgaris or Artemisia princeps.

The mugwort skincare market is expanding in Germany, with 183 products detected across 58 brands on major etailers such as Douglas and Mueller. Over the past three months, product availability has grown by 5%, indicating increasing consumer interest and retailer adoption of mugwort-based formulations. This growth corresponds to the rising searches for mugwort in skincare, reinforcing its position as a sought-after ingredient for sensitive and irritation-prone skin.

Among product categories, face washes lead the market with 54 products, followed by face masks (49 products) and miscellaneous facial care products such as creams, mists, and gels (38 products). 

The strong presence of cleansing products suggests that consumers view mugwort as an effective yet gentle ingredient for daily skin purification, likely due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. 

Meanwhile, the significant share of face masks reflects mugwort’s appeal in calming and soothing treatments, catering to consumers looking for weekly skincare solutions to combat redness and irritation.

Product claims among mugwort-infused skincare items largely focus on moisturizing (63%), soothing (60%), and protective (43%) benefits. These claims align with mugwort’s known properties, further validating its relevance in hydrating, calming, and barrier-reinforcing skincare formulations. The rising preference for gentle yet effective botanical ingredients suggests that consumers are increasingly drawn to herbal skincare with multifunctional benefits.

‍

‍

In terms of market leadership, Korean beauty brands dominate Germany’s mugwort skincare segment. Jayjun leads with a 12.57% market share, offering 23 products, followed by Some By Mi (7.10% share, 13 products) and Needly (6.56% share, 12 products). The strong presence of K-beauty brands highlights the global influence of Asian skincare trends, particularly the popularity of herbal, soothing formulations.

Furthermore, the year 2024 has seen a 14.38% increase in mugwort skincare product launches compared to the previous year, signaling a sustained and growing interest in this particular ingredient. 

‍

{{cta}}

‍

Recommendations for Developing Mugwort-infused Skincare Products

1. Soothing and Anti-Inflammatory Moisturizers

Mugwort’s ability to calm irritation and reduce inflammation makes it ideal for moisturizers designed for sensitive, acne-prone, or redness-prone skin. Lightweight gel creams work best for oily or combination skin, while richer balms cater to dry or compromised skin. Pairing Mugwort with Centella Asiatica, Panthenol, or Niacinamide enhances its skin barrier-repairing benefits, making it a go-to ingredient for those with rosacea or irritation concerns.

2. Mugwort-Based Cleansers for Gentle Purification

With antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, Mugwort is a strong addition to cleansers that target breakouts, irritation, and pollution-related stress. Gel-based cleansers provide gentle purification, while oil-based options help dissolve makeup without stripping the skin. Mugwort pairs well with Tea Tree Oil, Green Tea, and Salicylic Acid to balance oil production while soothing the skin, making it a great fit for those with acne-prone or reactive skin.

3. Hydrating and Balancing Mugwort Essences & Tonersr

Mugwort-infused toners and essences deliver deep hydration and restore balance to the skin, making them especially beneficial for dehydrated, sensitive, or combination skin types. Water-based formulas with fermented Mugwort improve absorption, while concentrated essences offer enhanced soothing effects. Combining Mugwort with Hyaluronic Acid, Probiotics, or Licorice Root Extract can further hydrate, strengthen the skin microbiome, and reduce redness, appealing to consumers drawn to K-beauty and J-beauty innovations.

4. Spot Treatments and Serums for Acne-Prone Skin

Given its antimicrobial and calming properties, Mugwort is highly effective in serums and spot treatments targeting inflammation, breakouts, and post-acne redness. High-concentration Mugwort serums soothe irritation, while gel-based spot treatments reduce swelling without over-drying.

5. Mugwort Sleeping Masks for Overnight Repair

Mugwort’s soothing and restorative effects make it a prime ingredient in overnight masks that work while the skin repairs itself. This category particularly appeals to those with stressed or sensitive skin, offering an easy-to-use solution for reducing redness and irritation overnight.

‍

Takeaways

Mugwort’s growing popularity in the skincare industry is driven by its ability to calm inflammation, fight acne-causing bacteria, and support the skin barrier. As consumer interest in natural, soothing ingredients continues to expand, brands can leverage Mugwort in a wide range of formulations—from hydrating essences and redness-reducing serums to purifying cleansers and overnight masks. With increasing global search demand, particularly in Western markets, now is the time for skincare brands to integrate Mugwort-based innovations into their product lines to meet the needs of ingredient-conscious, sensitive-skin-focused consumers.

‍