If your mind immediately went to the Von Trapps after hearing the word ‘Edelweiss,’ you’re not alone. But before you break into the tune from The Sound Of Music, the cinematic fame isn’t all that the wildflower is known for. Today, its uses extend to skin care, where its extract is known for soothing redness, calming irritation, and deeply hydrating the skin. Its rich anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties are what make it so effective in calming redness and irritation. Additionally, edelweiss extract is also an excellent hydrator that helps maintain and nourish the skin’s protective barrier, leaving it soft and supple. It’s an underrated ingredient for dry and sensitive skin. Here’s why it deserves more recognition. What is edelweiss extract? “Edelweiss extract is derived from the edelweiss flower, a resilient plant that grows in high altitudes of the Swiss Alps,” says Dr Chytra V Anand, founder of Kosmoderma Clinics and Skin. “The extract of the flower is what’s rich in antioxidants—flavonoids and tannins, and is harvested through environmentally sustainable methods to preserve its active properties.” Grown in the rugged alpine regions, the flower has evolved to withstand harsh environmental conditions. According to Dr Trupti Agarwal, consultant dermatologist at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, its extract is obtained through a gentle process, where the leaves and flowers are harvested and processed to preserve their potent compounds. “These compounds—flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenoids—work together to provide skin robust protection from environmental stressors, making edelweiss a staple in many skincare products.”