Crataegus Monogyna Powder: What Is It, Cosmetic Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: June 24, 2025
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All information on this page is verified using The Personal Care Products Council's (PCPC) INCI database. Our ingredient analyses are based exclusively on PCPC's technical data to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Crataegus Monogyna Powder?

Crataegus Monogyna Powder comes from the common hawthorn tree, a hardy shrub native to Europe, North Africa and parts of Asia. The powder is produced by harvesting the berries, flowers and leaves, drying them at low temperatures to preserve their natural compounds then milling them into a fine, beige-pink powder. These plant parts are rich in flavonoids, phenolic acids and natural fibers, giving the powder mild gritty particles alongside antioxidant substances. Hawthorn has a long history in folk traditions where the berries were eaten fresh or brewed into teas, and the plant’s reputation for toning the skin helped it transition into modern cosmetic labs. Today manufacturers sift and sterilize the ground material to meet hygiene standards, creating a stable ingredient that blends smoothly into water-based or anhydrous formulas. You will most often spot Crataegus Monogyna Powder in facial masks, body scrubs, exfoliating cleansers and rinse-off treatments aimed at polishing the skin’s surface.

Crataegus Monogyna Powder’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

As an abrasive, Crataegus Monogyna Powder supplies gentle physical exfoliation. The tiny plant particles help lift away dead skin cells, unclog surface debris and smooth rough patches, leaving skin feeling cleaner and looking brighter. When used in rinse-off products the powder offers a natural alternative to synthetic beads, supporting a more sustainable approach to formulating scrubs and masks.

Who Can Use Crataegus Monogyna Powder

Because the particles are finely milled yet still offer a noticeable scrub, this powder suits most normal, combination and oily skin types that can tolerate light physical exfoliation. Dry skin can also benefit when the ingredient is dispersed in a creamy or oil-rich base that cushions the grains. Very sensitive, rosacea-prone or actively inflamed acneic skin may find any abrasive too stimulating, so these users should proceed with caution or choose a non-physical exfoliant instead.

The ingredient is 100% plant derived with no animal by-products, making it appropriate for vegans and vegetarians. Many suppliers also certify it as cruelty free, which further supports vegan ethics.

No specific contraindications are documented for topical use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Absorption through intact skin is expected to be negligible, yet this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run any skincare routine past a qualified healthcare professional to be safe.

Crataegus Monogyna Powder is not known to increase sun sensitivity, so there is no special need for additional sun precautions beyond everyday sunscreen use.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Side effects and reactions to the topical application of Crataegus Monogyna Powder vary from person to person. The following is a list of potential issues that could occur, though most users will not experience any negative effects when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.

  • Mechanical irritation – over-vigorous scrubbing may cause redness or a tight, uncomfortable feeling
  • Micro abrasions – if used on very thin or compromised skin the grains can create tiny surface scratches
  • Allergic contact dermatitis – rare sensitization or rash in individuals allergic to hawthorn or related plants
  • Stinging on broken skin – application over cuts, open pimples or eczema patches may provoke discomfort

If any irritation, swelling or persistent redness occurs stop using the product and seek medical advice if symptoms do not subside.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1 / 5
Crataegus Monogyna Powder is made up of ground botanical fibers rather than fatty oils or waxes so it does not readily lodge inside pores or oxidize into pore-blocking residues. The particles are rinsed away after use leaving minimal residue on the skin which keeps the likelihood of clogged pores very low. Because any physical scrub can trigger irritation on inflamed blemishes, friction rather than true comedogenicity is the main concern.

Overall the powder is generally suitable for acne-prone skin provided it is used gently and on mostly healed areas.

Formula texture, particle size and how long the product sits on the skin can all influence real-world performance so choose well-milled, rinse-off products to keep the risk of congestion at a minimum.

Summary

Crataegus Monogyna Powder is primarily an abrasive that delivers mild physical exfoliation while supplying a touch of antioxidant benefit from its naturally occurring flavonoids. The tiny ground hawthorn particles loosen and sweep away dead surface cells which helps skin feel smoother and look brighter.

Although not a household name, the ingredient is gaining modest popularity among clean beauty brands looking for biodegradable alternatives to plastic microbeads. Its plant origin, vegan status and gentle scrub effect make it an appealing choice in facial masks and body polishes.

Topically, Crataegus Monogyna Powder is considered low risk with rare reports of irritation or allergy. As with any new skincare ingredient it is wise to patch test a small area first to confirm personal tolerance before adding it to a regular routine.

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