Cymbidium Great Flower Flower/Stem Water: 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 publicly available nomenclature standards and reference materials from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) and the European Commission's CosIng database. Our analyses are based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Cymbidium Great Flower Flower/Stem Water?

Cymbidium Great Flower Flower/Stem Water is a fragrant botanical water that comes from the flowers, leaves and stems of the Cymbidium Great Flower orchid. This orchid has long been admired in East Asia for its beauty and soothing scent, and traditional skin care makers have used its petals in bathing rituals for generations. Modern cosmetic chemists capture the plant’s light essential oil through gentle steam distillation. Fresh cut flowers, stems and leaves are placed in a still with water; steam lifts the aromatic molecules, then they cool and separate into a fine oil layer and a watery layer. The watery layer, rich in trace oils and plant nutrients, is what we call Cymbidium Great Flower Flower/Stem Water.

The resulting water holds small amounts of natural alcohols, terpenes and flavonoid antioxidants that give it a soft floral aroma and skin loving properties. Because it is mild and water based it blends seamlessly into many formulas. You will often find it in facial mists, toners, hydrating sheet masks, lightweight serums, day and night creams, after sun gels and refreshing hair or body sprays.

Cymbidium Great Flower Flower/Stem Water’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

In skin care this orchid water plays two key roles that make formulas feel pampering and supportive.

  • Skin conditioning: The natural sugars and antioxidants in the water help keep skin soft, smooth and comfortable. They support surface hydration so skin looks fresh and calm
  • Emollient: It adds a light silky feel that glides over the skin and helps lock in moisture without heaviness making creams and mists more pleasant to use

Who Can Use Cymbidium Great Flower Flower/Stem Water

This orchid water is gentle enough for nearly all skin types including dry, normal, combination and oily. Its light texture and non greasy finish make it a welcome addition for sensitive or breakout-prone skin as well, since it will not clog pores or weigh skin down. Those with very reactive skin should still watch for fragrance sensitivities, as the natural aromatic molecules in the water could be an issue for a small number of users.

The ingredient is plant derived and no animal by-products or testing are involved in its extraction, so it aligns with vegan and vegetarian standards.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women are not known to face special risks when using products containing Cymbidium Great Flower Flower/Stem Water, yet this is not medical advice. Anyone who is expecting or nursing should show the full product label to a health professional before adding it to a routine.

The water itself is not photo-sensitising and will not make skin more prone to sunburn. Normal daily sun protection practices are still recommended.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Reactions to topical Cymbidium Great Flower Flower/Stem Water differ from person to person. The points below outline potential issues although most users will not experience them when the ingredient is formulated and used properly.

  • Allergic contact dermatitis
  • Mild stinging or redness on very sensitive skin
  • Dry patches if overused on already dehydrated skin
  • Eye irritation if the mist or product gets into the eyes

If any discomfort, rash or prolonged irritation occurs stop use and consult a healthcare professional.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0 / 5 (non-comedogenic)

Cymbidium Great Flower Flower/Stem Water is almost entirely water with only trace amounts of lightweight aromatic molecules so it does not leave an oily film or block pores. Because it evaporates quickly and adds a subtle hint of moisture rather than a heavy layer of lipids, it earns the lowest possible rating.

Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.

Formulators sometimes blend this orchid water with richer oils and butters so the finished product, not the orchid water itself, might still clog pores if those heavier ingredients are present.

Summary

Cymbidium Great Flower Flower/Stem Water is used mainly as a skin conditioner and gentle emollient. Its natural sugars and antioxidants help surface cells hold moisture, calm minor irritation and leave a soft silky feel. Because it is light and water based it slips into toners, mists and creams to boost comfort without heaviness.

The ingredient remains a boutique pick rather than a mainstream staple, showing up most often in Korean and indie clean beauty lines that like to highlight exotic orchid extracts.

Overall safety is high with only rare reports of mild irritation or allergy. As with any new cosmetic it is wise to run a quick patch test the first time you try a formula that contains this orchid water.

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