Home Glossary of Ingredients Heart-shaped pea extract

EXCERPT FROM PEAS OF THE HEART

CARDIOSPERMUM HALICACABUM EXTRACT

Behind its poetic name,heart pea extract—or Cardiospermum halicacabum seed extract—lies a powerful plant-based active ingredient that works wonders in cosmetics. Used for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and protective properties, it is particularly prized in formulas designed for sensitive, reactive, or irritation-prone skin. It soothes, strengthens the skin barrier, and helps reduce redness, itching, and discomfort. It is the ideal ingredient to comfort all skin types, without compromising on gentleness.

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What Is Heart-Shaped Pea Extract? — Definition

Heart pea extract comes from Cardiospermum halicacabum, a climbing plant native to India and South America. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its soothing properties, particularly in the treatment of skin inflammation.

In cosmetics, the active ingredients are extracted from the seeds or the whole plant using mild solvents or oily macerates. The resulting extract is rich in phytosterols, flavonoids, and saponins—compounds known for their anti-inflammatory and protective effects.

Cardiospermum halicacabum is now recognized as a preferred active ingredient for sensitive skin, with an excellent tolerance profile and clinically validated results in reducing skin reactions.

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Heart-shaped pea extract — How it works

Sweet pea extract acts primarily as an anti-inflammatory agent. It interferes with the mediators responsible for redness, irritation, and itching, thereby quickly reducing the visible signs of skin discomfort.

It is particularly effective against the mechanisms associated with eczema, dermatitis, or mild rosacea. By blocking certain pro-inflammatory enzymes, it helps the skin regain its balance more quickly, without side effects.

Thanks to its natural phytosterols, it also strengthens the skin barrier, thereby protecting the skin from external aggressors (wind, cold, pollution). A stronger barrier means less sensitivity and better hydration.

Finally, the extract supports the natural regeneration of the epidermis, promoting more resilient, soothed, and comfortable skin day after day.

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Benefits of Snow Pea Extract for the Skin

Ideal for soothing and protecting, this plant extract targets all causes of skin discomfort:

✔ Soothes redness, tingling, and a burning sensation

✔ Reduces inflammation caused by environmental stressors or skin imbalances

✔ Strengthens the skin’s natural barrier

✔ Limits water loss and improves skin comfort

✔ Perfectly suited for sensitive or atopic skin

✔ Prevents reactions caused by overly active skincare products

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Is pea extract suitable for all skin types?

Yes, this extract is perfectly suited for all skin types, regardless of skin tone or sensitivity. It is particularly recommended for reactive, sensitized skin prone to redness or eczema.

It can also be used as a supplementary treatment for normal or combination skin that is temporarily stressed (due to seasonal changes, sun exposure, or irritating treatments) to restore comfort and prevent reactions.

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Heart-shaped pea extract in cosmetics

Heart pea extract is found in soothing skincare products, reparative creams, anti-redness serums, after-sun treatments, and dermocosmetics for skin prone to atopic conditions. It is also used in post-procedure skincare (laser, chemical peels, etc.) to soothe and repair the skin.

Contraindications and side effects:
No known contraindications. It is a very well-tolerated ingredient, even on sensitized, atopic, or fragile skin. No notable side effects have been reported.

Usage and Application Tips:
Apply in the morning and/or evening, alone or in combination with a moisturizer. It can be used preventatively, as a treatment, or as a course of treatment depending on the skin’s needs. Can be combined with active ingredients such as allantoin, niacinamide, or panthenol.

Why Nuhanciam uses this ingredient: At NUHANCIAM, we’ve selected snow pea extract for its exceptional ability to soothe and rebalance sensitized skin, while respecting the diversity of skin tones. It allows us to offer protective, gentle, and effective skincare products that are perfectly suited for medium to dark skin tones, which are often prone to post-inflammatory or environmental irritation.