Nymphaea Colorado Flower 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 30, 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 Nymphaea Colorado Flower Extract?

Nymphaea Colorado Flower Extract comes from the soft pink blooms of Nymphaea ‘Colorado’, a hardy water lily created by crossing Nymphaea mexicana with the hybrid Nymphaea ‘Louise Villemarette’. The petals carry natural sugars, flavonoids and mild fragrant oils that help the plant hold moisture while it floats under strong sun. In traditional pond keeping these lilies were prized for their long-lasting flowers, and formulators later noticed that petal infusions left bathwater feeling silky on the skin. Today the extract is made by harvesting fresh blossoms at peak bloom, then soaking or gently macerating them in a mix of water and skin-friendly solvents. The liquid is filtered and concentrated to keep its hydrating molecules intact.

You will find Nymphaea Colorado Flower Extract in lightweight moisturizers, calming masks, after-sun gels, daily lotions, soothing toners and many “self-care” body creams that aim to leave skin smooth and comfortable.

Nymphaea Colorado Flower Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This flower extract brings a simple but valuable role to skincare formulas.

Skin conditioning: The sugars and flavonoids in the extract bind water to the surface of the skin, giving a soft hydrated feel and improving overall comfort. Regular use can help reduce the look of dryness and minor rough patches, making the complexion appear fresh and supple.

Who Can Use Nymphaea Colorado Flower Extract

This gentle flower extract suits most skin types. Dry and sensitive complexions tend to appreciate its light hydrating touch while normal and combination skin can use it as a daily softening booster. Oily or acne-prone users usually tolerate it well because the ingredient is water based and not greasy.

Since it is derived solely from plant material with no animal by-products, products containing Nymphaea Colorado Flower Extract are generally appropriate for vegans and vegetarians.

The extract has no known hormone-like activity, so it is not considered a special concern for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should review any skincare routine with a qualified healthcare professional to be certain it matches personal health needs.

Nymphaea Colorado Flower Extract does not increase photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. Users should still apply sunscreen during the day for overall skin health.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Reactions to topical Nymphaea Colorado Flower Extract can differ from one person to another. The points below outline potential side effects though most people will not experience them when the ingredient has been properly formulated and applied.

  • Mild skin irritation such as temporary redness or tingling
  • Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to water lily or related botanicals
  • Stinging or burning if applied to broken or compromised skin
  • Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes

If any unwanted reaction occurs stop using the product right away and consult a healthcare professional for guidance.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1

Nymphaea Colorado Flower Extract is mostly water soluble and contains only trace amounts of natural oils so it does not have the heavy lipids that typically clog pores. Its primary components are moisturizing sugars and lightweight flavonoids which sit on the surface of the skin without blocking sebaceous glands. This places it at the very low end of the comedogenic scale.

Because of this low score the extract is generally suitable for people who are prone to acne or frequent breakouts.

Formulas that pair the extract with richer butters or occlusive oils may raise the overall comedogenic potential of the finished product so always check the full ingredient list if you are highly blemish sensitive.

Summary

Nymphaea Colorado Flower Extract acts primarily as a skin conditioning agent by drawing water to the outer layers of the skin then holding it there with a thin veil of plant-derived sugars and calming flavonoids. The result is a smoother more comfortable complexion that looks refreshed and less dry.

Although not as famous as aloe or chamomile this water lily extract is cropping up in a growing number of spa style moisturizers masks and after-sun gels thanks to its gentle hydrating touch and botanical backstory.

The ingredient has an excellent safety record with only rare reports of mild irritation or allergy. Still skin can be unpredictable so it is wise to patch test any new product that contains Nymphaea Colorado Flower Extract before applying it to a larger area.

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