Barklya Syringifolia Flower/Leaf 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
Share:
Inside this article:

All information on this page is verified using publicly available nomenclature standards and reference materials from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) and the European Commission's CosIng database. Our analyses are based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Barklya Syringifolia Flower/Leaf Extract?

Barklya Syringifolia Flower/Leaf Extract comes from the blossoms and foliage of Barklya syringifolia, a flowering tree native to Australia that is part of the pea family. The petals and leaves are naturally rich in polyphenols, flavonoids and simple sugars, a mix that gives the plant its antioxidant and moisture-binding abilities. Indigenous communities traditionally valued the tree for its soothing properties, and modern formulators took notice once lab testing confirmed its high level of protective plant compounds.

To make the cosmetic-grade extract, freshly harvested flowers and leaves are gently dried, milled and soaked in a food-grade solvent such as glycerin or water. The mixture is then filtered and concentrated, leaving a stable liquid or powder that slips easily into water-based or emulsion formulas. You will most often spot Barklya Syringifolia Flower/Leaf Extract in moisturizers, anti-aging serums, sheet masks, soothing after-sun gels, leave-in hair conditioners and repairing scalp treatments.

Barklya Syringifolia Flower/Leaf Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This multi-tasking botanical brings several useful actions to skin and hair care products.

  • Antioxidant: The flavonoid content helps neutralize free radicals, supporting formulas that aim to reduce the look of premature aging caused by environmental stress.
  • Hair Conditioning: The extract coats strands lightly, improving softness, slip and overall manageability without weighing hair down.
  • Humectant: Natural sugars pull water from the environment into the product and onto the surface of skin or hair, boosting immediate hydration.
  • Skin Conditioning: Regular use can leave skin feeling smoother and more supple as the extract supports the moisture barrier.
  • Skin Protecting: Antioxidant and film-forming molecules create a subtle shield that helps defend skin against daily irritants like pollution and harsh weather.

Who Can Use Barklya Syringifolia Flower/Leaf Extract

The extract is gentle enough for almost every skin type. Dry and mature skin appreciate its humectant sugars, oily or combination skin benefits from the light non-greasy finish and sensitive skin tends to tolerate it because it lacks common irritants like fragrance allergens or harsh acids. Extremely reactive or allergy-prone users should still proceed with caution simply because any botanical can trigger issues for a small minority.

Because the ingredient is 100 percent plant derived it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. No animal by-products or animal testing are required to obtain or process the flowers and leaves, although final cruelty-free status depends on the brand’s overall policies.

Current data shows no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the extract is used topically in cosmetic concentrations. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should review all skincare products with their healthcare provider to be extra safe.

The extract does not make skin more prone to sunburn and it pairs well with daytime products, including sunscreen, without causing photosensitivity.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Responses to topical Barklya Syringifolia Flower/Leaf Extract differ from one person to the next. The issues listed below are only potential effects and are unlikely for most users when the ingredient is properly formulated and used as directed.

  • Mild redness or warmth at the application site
  • Itchiness or transient tingling, especially on very sensitive skin
  • Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals allergic to plants in the Fabaceae family
  • Eye irritation if a facial product migrates into the eyes
  • Rare cross-reaction with other botanical extracts in complex formulas

If any of these reactions occur stop using the product and consult a medical professional if symptoms persist or worsen.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0–1

Barklya Syringifolia Flower/Leaf Extract is made up mostly of water soluble antioxidants and simple sugars that rinse away easily and do not leave an occlusive film. It lacks heavy oils or waxes that could block pores so formulators consider it virtually non-comedogenic.

That makes the extract generally suitable for people who are prone to acne or frequent breakouts.

Keep in mind the final comedogenicity of any product depends on the full formula. If the extract appears alongside rich butters or thick silicones the overall product could still clog pores even though the extract itself does not.

Summary

Barklya Syringifolia Flower/Leaf Extract acts as an antioxidant, humectant, skin and hair conditioner and mild environmental shield. Its flavonoids neutralize free radicals, its natural sugars draw in water to plump skin and smooth hair and its light film forming molecules help protect the surface from daily stress.

The ingredient is still a niche botanical so it is not as common as green tea or aloe but interest is growing thanks to its multitasking benefits and gentle profile.

Current research and decades of traditional use suggest it is safe for most people when used in standard cosmetic amounts. As with any new skincare ingredient it is wise to patch test a fresh product first to make sure your skin agrees with it.

Was this article helpful?
More from Glooshi:
ADVERTISEMENT
Get all our top headlines in beauty.
Delivered right to your inbox each week. Zero spam, all goodness, opt-out at anytime.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Get the latest beauty news, top product recommendations & brand-exclusive discount codes direct to your inbox.
Send good feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Send bad feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Search