Bertholletia Excelsa Flower 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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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 Bertholletia Excelsa Flower Extract?

Bertholletia Excelsa Flower Extract is derived from the blossoms of the Brazil nut tree, a tall rainforest species native to the Amazon basin. While the tree is best known for its nutrient-dense nuts, the delicate cream-colored flowers also contain sugars, amino acids, flavonoids and small amounts of natural oils that help keep the plant’s own tissues soft and protected. Cosmetic chemists became interested in the flower material in the early 2000s while looking for gentle, plant-sourced skin conditioners that would pair well with the already popular Brazil nut oil. Today the extract is made by harvesting the fresh flowers, drying them at low temperature to preserve their active molecules, then soaking the plant matter in a water-glycerin or water-alcohol mix to draw out the beneficial components. After filtration, the liquid is concentrated and standardized so that every batch delivers a consistent profile. You are most likely to see Bertholletia Excelsa Flower Extract listed on the labels of moisturizers, soothing masks, hydrating serums, after-sun lotions and anti-aging creams, where it works alongside emollients and humectants to leave skin feeling smooth and comfortable.

Bertholletia Excelsa Flower Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This ingredient is valued for one main role in skincare.

Skin conditioning: The naturally occurring sugars and amino acids in the flower extract attract water to the skin’s surface, helping to maintain hydration, improve softness and reduce the appearance of rough patches. At the same time mild antioxidant flavonoids help support the skin’s barrier so formulations feel more soothing and less irritating, making the extract a useful addition to daily moisturizers, calming treatments and products designed for sensitive complexions.

Who Can Use Bertholletia Excelsa Flower Extract

Because it is primarily a gentle humectant and barrier-supporting conditioner, Bertholletia Excelsa Flower Extract works well for dry, normal and combination skin that needs extra softness and hydration. Oily or acne-prone skin can usually tolerate it too since the extract itself is lightweight and non-greasy, but final suitability depends on the other ingredients in the formula. There are no known issues for sensitive skin types and its calming profile makes it a frequent choice in redness-relief products.

The extract is a botanical ingredient obtained solely from the flowers of the Brazil nut tree and does not involve any animal-derived substances or by-products, so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

No data indicates that topical use poses a specific risk to women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should review new skincare products with a doctor to be on the safe side.

Bertholletia Excelsa Flower Extract has no known link to photosensitivity so it will not make skin more vulnerable to sunlight. It is also free of common allergens like synthetic fragrance and dyes, which further supports its compatibility with most complexions.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Responses to topical Bertholletia Excelsa Flower Extract vary from person to person. The effects listed below are only potential outcomes and are unlikely for the average user when the ingredient is formulated correctly in a product.

  • Mild redness or itching
  • Temporary stinging upon application
  • Rare allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to tree-nut related compounds
  • Interaction with heavily fragranced or highly acidic products leading to increased irritation

If any of these reactions occur discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0-1 out of 5. Bertholletia Excelsa Flower Extract is primarily composed of water-soluble sugars, amino acids and light flavonoids with only trace amounts of oil, so it does not clog pores in the way heavier butters or waxes can. Most finished formulas include the extract at low percentages, further lowering any pore-blocking risk.

This makes the ingredient generally suitable for skin that is prone to acne or breakouts, provided the rest of the product is also non-comedogenic.

Keep in mind that the overall comedogenicity of a product depends on the full ingredient blend and texture, not on this single botanical extract.

Summary

Bertholletia Excelsa Flower Extract acts mainly as a skin conditioner, drawing moisture to the surface for smoother, softer skin while its mild antioxidants help support the natural barrier. It delivers these benefits thanks to naturally occurring humectant sugars, amino acids and protective flavonoids found in the Brazil nut flower.

The extract enjoys moderate popularity, often appearing in boutique moisturizers and soothing serums rather than mass-market staples, because sourcing fresh Brazil nut flowers is more niche than harvesting the nuts themselves.

Topical use is considered very safe with a low likelihood of irritation or allergy for most people. As with any new skincare ingredient it is wise to patch test a small area first to be sure your skin agrees with it.

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