Prunus Lannesiana Flower: 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: July 1, 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 Prunus Lannesiana Flower?

Prunus Lannesiana Flower comes from the soft pink blossoms of Prunus lannesiana, a cherry tree that belongs to the rose family. These trees are native to Japan, where the blooms are celebrated each spring. The petals are rich in natural sugars, moisture binding polysaccharides and plant antioxidants such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, all of which help the skin hold water and stay calm.

Cherry blossoms have been treasured in Japan for centuries as a symbol of renewal. They were first infused in teas, perfumes and bath rituals, and over time cosmetic chemists noticed their gentle soothing and moisture attracting properties. Today the petals are gathered at peak bloom, then quickly dried to protect their delicate actives. The dried flowers are steeped in water, glycerin or a mild alcohol to create an extract, which is filtered and concentrated before it goes into creams and serums. Some brands also grind the petals into a fine powder for gentle exfoliating masks.

You will most often find Prunus Lannesiana Flower in sheet masks, hydrating toners, light moisturizers, after sun gels and anti aging blends that focus on plump, dewy skin. Because the extract is mild and largely water based it fits well in formulas aimed at sensitive or dry skin types.

Prunus Lannesiana Flower’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

In skin care this blossom plays two main roles that work well together

  • Humectant: The natural sugars and polyols in the petals pull moisture from the air and draw it into the upper layers of the skin. This leaves the skin looking fresh and bouncy while also helping other water loving ingredients perform better.
  • Skin conditioning: The flower’s antioxidants and soothing compounds can soften rough spots and support a healthy skin barrier. Over time this can lead to a smoother feel, less visible flakiness and a more even tone.

Who Can Use Prunus Lannesiana Flower

Thanks to its lightweight water based profile Prunus Lannesiana Flower suits most skin types including dry, normal, combination and even oily skin that still needs hydration. Sensitive or easily flushed complexions usually tolerate the extract well but those with a known allergy to plants in the rose family should exercise caution since cross reactivity is possible.

The ingredient is entirely plant derived so it is suitable for both vegetarians and vegans. No animal derivatives or by products are involved in harvesting or processing the blooms.

Current research shows no hormonal or systemic effects linked to topical use which means products containing Prunus Lannesiana Flower are generally considered safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women. This is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should clear new skincare with a doctor first to be safe.

The flower does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight so there is no special need for extra sun precautions beyond a daily broad spectrum sunscreen. It also mixes well with most common actives and does not require any special application rules.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Side effects from topical Prunus Lannesiana Flower can vary person to person. The points below outline potential reactions yet most users will not experience them if the product has been properly formulated.

  • Mild redness or warmth
  • Itching or stinging in very sensitive skin
  • Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals allergic to cherry blossoms or related plants
  • Temporary tight feeling if used in high alcohol formulas

If any irritation or unexpected reaction occurs stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0-1 (virtually non comedogenic)

Prunus Lannesiana Flower extract is composed mostly of water soluble sugars and antioxidants that do not linger as an oily film so it has little to no pore clogging potential. Its lightweight nature means it rinses away easily and does not add extra sebum to the skin.

Because of this it is generally suitable for acne prone or breakout prone skin.

Only in formulas that pair the extract with heavy butters or waxes might overall pore blockage become a concern and that would be due to those additional ingredients rather than the blossom itself.

Summary

Prunus Lannesiana Flower works as a humectant by pulling water into the upper layers of the skin and as a conditioning agent by delivering soothing flavonoids that help keep the barrier soft and resilient. Together these actions support a plump hydrated look with less roughness and irritation.

The ingredient is still a niche choice outside Japan yet its gentle reputation is helping it pop up in more hydrating serums sheet masks and after sun gels every season.

Studies and real world use show a strong safety profile with low odds of adverse reactions. Even so it is wise to patch test any new product that contains the extract to confirm personal tolerance before applying it to the entire face.

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