Ulmus Davidiana 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 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 Ulmus Davidiana Bark Extract?

Ulmus Davidiana Bark Extract comes from the bark of the Ulmus davidiana tree, a species of elm native to East Asia. The bark is rich in natural sugars, polyphenols and minerals that help bind water and soothe skin. Traditionally the bark was steeped in water for its calming properties and that folk use eventually inspired its move into skin care.

To create the cosmetic ingredient the harvested bark is cleaned, dried and ground, then soaked in a mix of water and gentle solvents. The liquid is filtered and concentrated, leaving a clear to light-brown extract that holds the plant’s water-grabbing and skin-comforting molecules.

Because it attracts moisture and forms a light protective film the extract shows up in moisturizers, hydrating toners, sheet masks, after-sun gels, soothing creams and anti-aging treatments where extra skin comfort is desired.

Ulmus Davidiana Bark Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

Here is what this multitasker brings to a formula:

  • Humectant – pulls water from the air and the deeper skin layers toward the surface so skin feels plumper and looks smoother
  • Skin Conditioning – softens rough spots and improves overall texture leaving skin touchably supple
  • Skin Protecting – forms a light breathable film that helps defend against dryness and minor environmental stress so skin stays calm and comfortable

Who Can Use Ulmus Davidiana Bark Extract

Thanks to its light texture and water-binding action Ulmus Davidiana Bark Extract is generally welcomed by all skin types. Dry, dehydrated and mature skin get a direct moisture boost while combination and oily skin appreciate the non-greasy feel. Sensitive skin also tends to tolerate the extract well because the sugars and polyphenols soothe rather than stimulate. There are no specific skin types that need to steer clear unless an individual already knows they are allergic to elm species.

The extract is plant derived so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians as long as the finished product does not mix it with animal-based additives such as beeswax or certain milk proteins.

No studies show that the ingredient poses a risk to pregnant or breastfeeding women when used topically. Still this is not medical advice; anyone expecting or nursing should run any skin care choice by a doctor to be on the safe side.

Ulmus Davidiana Bark Extract does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight so there is no extra photo-protection step beyond standard daily sunscreen. It pairs well with common actives like niacinamide hyaluronic acid and ceramides without known conflicts.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Reactions to topical Ulmus Davidiana Bark Extract vary from person to person. The points below list potential but unlikely side effects for users who apply a well-formulated product containing this ingredient.

  • Mild redness or irritation
  • Transient stinging on very compromised skin
  • Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals with an elm tree allergy
  • Rare clogged pores or breakouts if the overall formula is too rich for oily skin

If any of these effects occur stop use and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1/5

Ulmus Davidiana Bark Extract is almost entirely made up of water-binding sugars and polyphenols which sit lightly on the skin and rinse away with ease. It lacks heavy oils or waxes that normally block pores so the likelihood of causing blackheads or pimples is very low. That said, any extract can become slightly more occlusive if used at high percentages or combined with rich emollients, which is why it earns a cautious 1 rather than a perfect 0.

In most formulas it remains friendly for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.

If a product containing the extract also features thick butters silicones or fatty alcohols, the overall pore-clogging potential may rise even though the extract itself stays light.

Summary

Ulmus Davidiana Bark Extract acts as a humectant skin-conditioning and skin-protecting agent. Its natural sugars pull moisture toward the surface, the same sugars plus minerals smooth texture, and the faint film it leaves shields skin from dryness and minor irritants.

Although not as famous as hyaluronic acid or aloe, the extract is popping up more often in K-beauty toners gels and calming creams thanks to its gentle touch and plant-based story.

Current data and long folk use point to a very safe profile with only rare allergy concerns. Still, whenever you try a new product containing Ulmus Davidiana Bark Extract it is smart to patch test first to confirm your skin’s personal comfort level.

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