Sanguisorba Officinalis Xylem Sap: 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 Sanguisorba Officinalis Xylem Sap?

Sanguisorba Officinalis Xylem Sap is the watery fluid that flows through the inner transport tissue, or xylem, of the Sanguisorba officinalis plant, a perennial herb also known as great burnet. This sap is rich in naturally occurring sugars, minerals and plant-based antioxidants that help the plant move nutrients from its roots to its leaves. Traditional healers once valued great burnet for soothing skin discomfort, and modern formulators took note of those calming qualities when searching for gentle botanical ingredients. To collect the sap, growers harvest mature stems, apply mild pressure or a low-heat extraction, then filter and concentrate the liquid to make it suitable for cosmetic use. You will most often spot Sanguisorba Officinalis Xylem Sap in hydrating sheet masks, lightweight facial lotions, soothing after-sun gels and anti-aging serums that aim to refresh and soften the skin.

Sanguisorba Officinalis Xylem Sap’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This ingredient is valued for a single key role in personal care formulas.

Skin conditioning: The natural sugars and minerals bind water to the skin surface, boosting moisture levels and leaving the complexion feeling smoother and more supple. Its gentle botanical profile can also help calm the look of temporary redness, making products feel soothing on application.

Who Can Use Sanguisorba Officinalis Xylem Sap

Sanguisorba Officinalis Xylem Sap is gentle enough for nearly every skin type. Its lightweight water-binding nature makes it a welcome addition for dry, normal and combination skin that needs extra hydration while its non-greasy feel will not overwhelm oily complexions. Those with easily upset or sensitive skin often tolerate it well since the sap is low in common irritants. The main group that may need caution is anyone with a known allergy to the Sanguisorba officinalis plant or related species, as cross-reactivity could trigger redness or itching.

Because the sap is harvested only from a plant and involves no animal-derived processing aids, it is suitable for both vegetarians and vegans.

The ingredient has no documented hormone-like activity, so it is generally viewed as low risk for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is not medical advice and expecting or nursing parents should always run any skincare choice past their doctor to be on the safe side.

Sanguisorba Officinalis Xylem Sap is not known to cause photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. Standard daily sunscreen habits are still important whenever you spend time outdoors.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Sensitivity to topical Sanguisorba Officinalis Xylem Sap varies from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects, but most users experience none of them when the ingredient is included at normal cosmetic levels.

  • Mild redness or itching
  • Temporary burning or stinging on very compromised skin
  • Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to the great burnet plant family
  • Folliculitis or breakouts if the finished product is overly rich for the user’s skin type
  • Irritation from product contamination if proper preservatives were not used

If you experience any of the above stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0/5

Sanguisorba Officinalis Xylem Sap is almost entirely water with trace minerals and sugars, so it lacks the heavy oils or waxes that typically clog pores. That makes it non-comedogenic and generally safe for skin that breaks out easily. Acne-prone users should find it compatible with their routine. If the sap is blended into a formula that also contains rich plant butters or silicones the overall product could still feel heavy, so always consider the full ingredient list.

Summary

Sanguisorba Officinalis Xylem Sap works mainly as a skin-conditioning agent. Its natural sugars pull moisture to the surface while minerals and antioxidant compounds help calm visible redness, leaving skin softer and more comfortable. Although great burnet has a long history in herbal care the purified sap is still a niche cosmetic ingredient rather than a household name, showing up most often in masks, gels and lightweight serums that target hydration.

Current research and user reports point to a low risk of irritation or comedogenicity, so most people can use it with confidence. As with any new skincare ingredient it is wise to perform a quick patch test before full-face application just to confirm personal tolerance.

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