The horse chestnut tree, also known as the aesculus
hippocastanum, is a large, deciduous hardwood tree that grows in
temperate climates. It has large, green leaves with five to
seven lobes and white flowers. The seeds of the horse chestnut
tree grow in green, spiny cases. When the cases split open, the
seeds inside are round, brown and extremely shiny. Horse
chestnut extract is made from the glossy brown seed of the horse
chestnut tree. Horse chestnut extract can be found listed as an
ingredient in some skin cleansers. The high level of saponins in
horse chestnut extract makes it an effective skin purifier. Bath
oils and infusions sometimes contain horse chestnut extract due
to its skin softening properties. Horse chestnut extract
contains a saponin called escin, which has anti-inflammatory
properties. In addition, escin strengthens the walls of the
veins and arteries, giving it vasoprotective properties. The
condition of capillaries is improved because horse chestnut
extract reduces the presence of elastase