Euonymus Sachalinensis Bark Extract: 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 27, 2025
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We verify all information on this page using publicly available nomenclature standards from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), the European Commission's CosIng database and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Euonymus Sachalinensis Bark Extract?

Euonymus Sachalinensis Bark Extract comes from the bark of Euonymus sachalinensis, a shrub native to East Asia that belongs to the spindle tree family Celastraceae. The bark contains natural sugars, flavonoids and small amounts of tannins that help the plant protect itself from environmental stress. These compounds are also valued in skincare for their ability to soften and comfort skin.

Traditional herbal practices in Korea and Japan used Euonymus bark preparations for general skin soothing. Modern formulators noticed these calming effects and began testing refined extracts for use in cosmetic creams in the late 1990s. Today the extract is made by gently drying the harvested bark, grinding it into powder and then soaking it in a water-glycerin solution or a mild alcohol blend. After filtration and concentration the result is a clear to light brown liquid that mixes easily into finished products.

You will most often see Euonymus Sachalinensis Bark Extract in moisturizers, all-in-one lotions, sheet masks, overnight creams and soothing after-sun gels where it supports a soft and comfortable skin feel.

Euonymus Sachalinensis Bark Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This ingredient’s main role in skincare is as follows.

Skin conditioning: The extract helps smooth the skin surface, reduce tightness and improve overall softness. Its natural sugars draw light moisture to the upper layers of skin while flavonoids provide a mild calming effect, leaving the complexion feeling supple and refreshed.

Who Can Use Euonymus Sachalinensis Bark Extract

Because it is lightweight and mainly hydrates and soothes, Euonymus Sachalinensis Bark Extract suits dry, normal and sensitive skin especially well. Oily and combination skin types can also benefit since the extract is not greasy and will not clog pores, though very acne-prone users should still ensure their overall product is oil-balanced.

The extract is 100 % plant derived, contains no animal by-products and is therefore considered suitable for both vegetarians and vegans.

No data suggest that the ingredient affects hormones or penetrates deeply enough to pose a known risk during pregnancy or breastfeeding. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should show any skincare product to a qualified health professional before use, just to be safe.

Euonymus Sachalinensis Bark Extract does not increase photosensitivity, so standard daytime use with or without sunscreen presents no special concerns.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Responses to topical ingredients differ from person to person. The effects listed below are only potential outcomes and are unlikely for most users when the extract is correctly formulated.

  • Mild irritation – tingling or slight burning can occur in very sensitive skin, especially if the product also contains high levels of exfoliating acids or alcohol
  • Redness or flushing – transient redness may develop in individuals with reactive or rosacea-prone skin
  • Allergic contact dermatitis – rare but possible for anyone with an existing allergy to tree bark or plant flavonoids
  • Dry patches – overuse in an astringent formula could lead to localized dryness in already dehydrated skin

If any unwanted reaction develops stop using the product immediately and seek guidance from a healthcare professional or dermatologist.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0 / 5 – Euonymus Sachalinensis Bark Extract is water-soluble and contains mainly sugars and flavonoids with virtually no oils or waxy residues that could block pores. Current lab and anecdotal data show no tendency for the extract itself to form comedones.

Because of this low rating the ingredient is generally considered suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin when used in well-balanced formulas.

Only the full product’s base, added oils or occlusive agents will influence pore-clogging potential so check the entire ingredient list if congestion is a concern.

Summary

Euonymus Sachalinensis Bark Extract is used chiefly as a skin-conditioning agent that hydrates, softens and calms. Natural humectant sugars pull light moisture to the surface while flavonoids help soothe minor irritation giving skin a smooth comfortable feel.

The extract is still a niche ingredient seen mostly in Korean and Japanese moisturizers, sheet masks and after-sun gels rather than in global mass-market lines, yet formulators who want a gentle plant-based soother appreciate its clean profile.

Overall safety data are favorable with low irritation and virtually no comedogenic risk. As with any new skincare product it is smart to perform a small patch test first to confirm personal compatibility.

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