Orchid Oil (Phalaenopsis Amabilis) is a botanical extract known for its moisturizing, soothing, and anti-aging properties in skincare. While it's not an essential oil in the traditional sense, it’s typically derived by infusing orchid flower extracts into a nourishing carrier oil—often fractionated coconut, jojoba, or sunflower oil.

What is Orchid Oil?

Extracted from Phalaenopsis amabilis—also called the Moon Orchid—orchid oil is known as a symbol of beauty and refinement, especially in Asian skincare traditions. It’s rich in flavonoids, minerals, and polysaccharides, which contribute to its skincare benefits. Orchid oil is hydrating, soothing, and glow-boosting, without being heavy or overpowering. It offers antioxidant care that’s gentle for everyday use. Orchid oil is best for dry, mature, or sensitive skin, or skin showing signs of fatigue or environmental stress.

How is Orchid Oil used in skincare?

You’ll find Orchid Oil in:

• Moisturizers and facial oils for hydration and radiance
• Anti-aging serums for boosting elasticity and glow
• Eye creams for a plumping, smoothing effect
• Luxury body oils and balms for softening and protecting skin

Because it's lightweight and non-comedogenic, it works well for most skin types, including dry, sensitive, and mature skin.

What are the benefits of Orchid Oil for your complexion and skin microbiome?

Orchid Oil (Phalaenopsis Amabilis) can be supportive of your skin microbiome, especially as part of a balanced, non-disruptive skincare routine. While it's not a prebiotic or probiotic in itself, it contributes to microbiome health through indirect yet important pathways—namely by supporting the skin barrier, hydration, and inflammation control.

There’s limited direct research on Orchid Oil’s impact on the skin microbiome specifically, but its biocompatible, skin-loving properties make it a great ally for microbiome integrity, especially when paired with barrier-supportive, microbiome-conscious ingredients. Here’s why orchid oil is beneficial to your skin health:

• Deep Moisture & Hydration: Orchid oil acts as a natural humectant, drawing moisture into the skin and helping to lock in hydration without feeling greasy. The skin microbiome thrives in a well-hydrated, slightly acidic environment. Therefore, orchid oil keeps the skin less prone to dryness-induced microbial stress.
• Strengthens the Skin Barrier: A healthy microbiome starts with a strong skin barrier. Orchid Oil provides essential lipids and hydration that reinforce the barrier, and helps prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL), which keeps skin balanced and less prone to microbial imbalance.
• Antioxidant Protection: Rich in flavonoids and anthocyanins, orchid oil helps protect against free radical damage, while slowing visible signs of aging caused by UV exposure and pollution. Chronic inflammation can disrupt your skin’s microbial harmony. Orchid extract reduces stress that damages both skin cells and beneficial microbes.
• Soothing & Calming: Orchid oil has a naturally soothing effect on irritated or reactive skin, and may help reduce redness, flaking, and dryness associated with sensitivity.
• Boosts Radiance & Elasticity: Over time, orchid oil can help improve skin elasticity, firmness, and overall glow. It’s often used to revitalize dull or stressed-out complexions.
• Non-Disruptive: Unlike harsh essential oils or strong surfactants, Orchid oil is mild and non-stripping—unlikely to interfere with the diversity or balance of skin flora.

Orchid Oil (Phalaenopsis Amabilis) is a gentle, nourishing oil that contributes to a healthy skin ecosystem by supporting moisture, reducing inflammation, and helping maintain barrier function—all of which promote a stable, diverse, and happy skin microbiome.