Acer Campestre Bud 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 23, 2025
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All information on this page is verified using The Personal Care Products Council's (PCPC) INCI database. Our ingredient analyses are based exclusively on PCPC's technical data to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Acer Campestre Bud Extract?

Acer Campestre Bud Extract is a plant-based ingredient taken from the young buds of the field maple tree, a species native to Europe. These tender buds are rich in natural sugars, amino acids and small amounts of soothing plant oils that help soften the skin. Traditional folk remedies once used maple shoots to calm dry or irritated skin, and modern formulators picked up on that history when searching for gentle botanical moisturizers. To create the extract, freshly harvested buds are cleaned, ground and soaked in a mix of water and glycerin or gentle solvents. The liquid is then filtered to remove plant solids, leaving behind a clear solution packed with the bud’s skin-loving components. You will spot Acer Campestre Bud Extract in hydrating masks, lightweight moisturizers, calming serums, after-sun lotions and many anti-aging treatments that aim to replenish the skin’s barrier.

Acer Campestre Bud Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This extract mainly serves as an emollient, meaning it helps keep skin soft and smooth by filling in tiny gaps on the surface and reducing water loss. By adding it to a formula, brands can boost immediate skin comfort, improve spreadability and give a silky finish without a greasy feel.

Who Can Use Acer Campestre Bud Extract

Acer Campestre Bud Extract is generally well tolerated by all skin types including dry, normal, combination and oily skin because its lightweight emollient action softens without leaving a heavy residue. Sensitive skin may also benefit thanks to the bud’s naturally soothing compounds although anyone with a known allergy to maple or tree sap should proceed with caution.

Because the extract comes from a plant source and no animal-derived materials are needed to obtain it, the ingredient is suitable for both vegans and vegetarians.

There are no documented risks linked to topical use by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Still this is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should share their full skincare lineup with a healthcare provider before use to be extra safe.

The extract does not make skin more prone to sunburn and has no known impact on photosensitivity. It is also fragrance free by nature which lowers the chance of scent related irritation.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Reactions to topical Acer Campestre Bud Extract vary from person to person. The points below list potential side effects yet they are uncommon when the ingredient is included at appropriate cosmetic levels.

  • Mild redness or stinging in very sensitive skin
  • Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals allergic to maple or related tree species
  • Temporary itching or warming sensation immediately after application
  • Rare clogging of pores if applied in an overly occlusive formula on acne-prone skin

If any irritation or discomfort occurs stop use immediately and consult a healthcare professional.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1/5  Acer Campestre Bud Extract is a lightweight emollient with a high water content and only trace amounts of oils, so it is unlikely to block pores. It lacks the heavier fatty acids and waxes commonly linked to breakouts, which keeps its pore-clogging potential low. However, if the overall formula is very rich or layered with occlusive ingredients the small amount of natural sugars could theoretically trap debris and raise the risk slightly.

Most people prone to acne should find this extract acceptable, though those extremely sensitive to any emollient may still prefer spot-testing first.

The ingredient does not appear on standard comedogenicity watch lists, and current research or anecdotal reports do not flag it as a breakout trigger.

Summary

Acer Campestre Bud Extract works chiefly as an emollient that smooths skin, fills surface gaps and slows water loss, leaving a soft comfortable feel. Its natural sugars and amino acids attract and hold moisture while light plant lipids reinforce the barrier, making it a gentle hydrator in masks, lotions and serums.

Although not a headline act like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide, this maple-derived extract is quietly gaining traction among formulators looking for eco-friendly and vegan botanical moisturizers. You will most often spot it in niche hydrating products and calming treatments rather than in mass-market lines.

Topical use is considered low risk for the general public with only rare reports of irritation or allergy, mainly in those already reactive to tree sap. As with any new skincare ingredient it is wise to perform a quick patch test to confirm personal compatibility before applying it more broadly.

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