What Is Crataegus Dahurica Leaf Extract?
Crataegus Dahurica Leaf Extract comes from the leaves of the Dahurian hawthorn, a shrub in the rose family that grows across parts of East Asia. The leaves are rich in flavonoids and phenolic acids, plant compounds known for attracting and holding water as well as defending the plant against stress. Traditional herbal practices valued hawthorn for general toning of skin and hair, which sparked curiosity among modern formulators. Once researchers confirmed the leaf’s ability to bind moisture and smooth hair fibers, cosmetic brands began adding the extract to beauty products in the early 2000s.
To create the extract, freshly harvested leaves are cleaned, dried then soaked in a mix of water and gentle food-grade solvents. This pulls out the beneficial water-loving molecules. The liquid is filtered and concentrated, producing a mild, amber-colored solution that blends easily into creams and serums without altering texture or scent.
You will most often see Crataegus Dahurica Leaf Extract in hydrating facial moisturizers, anti-aging lotions, sheet masks, leave-in hair conditioners and scalp treatments that aim to soothe dryness and add a soft finish.
Crataegus Dahurica Leaf Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In formulas for skin or hair care this botanical multitasker serves three helpful roles
- Hair conditioning: Coats each strand with lightweight hydration which can lessen frizz, enhance shine and make combing easier
- Humectant: Draws water from the environment into the upper layers of skin keeping the surface plump and comfortable throughout the day
- Skin conditioning: Smooths the skin’s feel and helps reinforce a soft supple texture which can improve the look of fine lines caused by dehydration
Who Can Use Crataegus Dahurica Leaf Extract
This leaf-derived humectant is light enough for oily skin yet hydrating enough for dry or mature skin, making it broadly suitable for most skin types including sensitive or combination complexions. People with very reactive or eczema-prone skin may want to introduce it gradually since the natural acids in hawthorn leaves can rarely provoke tingling or redness. All hair types, from fine to coily, can benefit from its weightless conditioning effect.
The extract is 100% plant sourced and the standard solvents used in cosmetic grade production are non-animal, so it fits vegan and vegetarian lifestyles.
No research shows topical Crataegus Dahurica Leaf Extract to be problematic during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should check with a healthcare professional before adding new products, just to be safe.
The ingredient does not make skin more vulnerable to sunlight and does not interfere with everyday SPF use.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to any cosmetic ingredient vary by individual. The points below describe possible issues; most people will not notice any trouble when the extract is included at standard cosmetic levels.
- Mild stinging or warmth: can occur on freshly exfoliated or compromised skin
- Redness or itching: signals sensitivity to the plant’s phenolic acids
- Contact dermatitis: rare allergic reaction more likely in those already allergic to other members of the rose family
- Scalp buildup: overuse in leave-in hair products might weigh down very fine hair
If any irritation or discomfort appears stop using the product and consult a medical professional if symptoms persist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0–1 (effectively non-comedogenic)
Crataegus Dahurica Leaf Extract is water based and contains mainly lightweight humectant molecules rather than pore-blocking oils or waxes. Current literature and user reports do not link it to clogged pores so it sits at the very bottom of the scale. It is therefore considered safe for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin. Only if a formula pairs the extract with heavy emollients might comedogenic risk increase, but the extract itself poses minimal concern.
Summary
Crataegus Dahurica Leaf Extract attracts and binds water, cushions skin with a soft hydrated feel and smooths hair cuticles for easier detangling. It acts as a humectant, a light skin conditioner and a gentle hair conditioner by leveraging its natural flavonoids and phenolic acids that hold moisture and form a micro-thin flexible film.
While not as famous as aloe or glycerin, the extract is showing up in a growing number of hydrating serums, sheet masks and leave-in conditioners thanks to its plant-based profile and pleasant skin feel. It remains a niche yet steadily rising ingredient.
Safety data and real-world use suggest a low risk of irritation or pore clogging. Patch testing any new product is still a smart move so you can be sure it agrees with your own skin.