What Is Chloranthus Serratus Extract?
Chloranthus Serratus Extract is a plant based ingredient obtained from the whole Chloranthus serratus plant, a leafy shrub that belongs to the Chloranthaceae family and is native to parts of East and Southeast Asia. The plant has a long history in local herbal practices, prized for its pleasant scent and soothing feel on the skin. Modern cosmetic labs picked up on these qualities and, over the past decade, the extract has found its way into skin care formulas that focus on hydration and comfort.
The extract holds a mix of natural sugars, polyphenols and small amounts of aromatic oils. These components help it attract and hold water while also leaving skin soft. To make the extract, growers harvest the plant, dry it then soak it in a water or water-glycol blend. The liquid is filtered and concentrated to create a clear or pale brown solution that blends easily into creams, gels and serums.
You will most often spot Chloranthus Serratus Extract in sheet masks, hydrating serums, daily moisturizers, lightweight gels, after-sun lotions and anti aging creams that aim to boost skin smoothness without a heavy feel.
Chloranthus Serratus Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In skin care formulas Chloranthus Serratus Extract mainly shines in two roles:
- Humectant – Attracts water to the surface of the skin and helps lock it in. This keeps skin plump, reduces the look of fine lines and improves the glide of the product during application
- Skin Conditioning – Softens and smooths the skin’s outer layer, giving it a supple feel while supporting the natural barrier so skin stays comfortable throughout the day
Who Can Use Chloranthus Serratus Extract
This hydrating plant extract suits most skin types including dry, normal, combination and oily because it pulls water to the surface without leaving a greasy film. Sensitive skin generally tolerates it well thanks to its low fragrance content and gentle profile, though anyone with a known allergy to the Chloranthaceae family should avoid it.
Because the ingredient is entirely plant derived it poses no conflict with vegan or vegetarian lifestyles and is commonly found in formulas that carry cruelty free badges.
No research links Chloranthus Serratus Extract to hormonal disruption or developmental issues, so products containing it are typically considered pregnancy and breastfeeding friendly. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should show the full ingredient list of any product they plan to use to their health care provider first.
The extract does not make skin more prone to sunburn and can be used morning or night without increasing photosensitivity.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Chloranthus Serratus Extract differ from person to person. The issues listed below are only potential effects and, when the ingredient is properly formulated, most users will not notice any problems.
- Mild redness or stinging on very reactive skin when the extract is used at high concentration
- Contact dermatitis in individuals allergic to plants from the Chloranthaceae family
- Temporary tightness if layered with strong exfoliating acids or alcohol heavy products
- Irritation from spoiled product because plant extracts can degrade faster than synthetic humectants if preservation fails
If you experience any persistent discomfort stop using the product and consult a qualified health professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Chloranthus Serratus Extract is largely water based and contains mainly sugars and polyphenols with only trace amounts of oils, so it does not tend to clog pores. Its light molecular weight lets it sit on the surface, draw in moisture then evaporate or absorb without leaving an occlusive film.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin, especially when formulated in lightweight gels or serums.
As with any botanical, the final formula matters; if a product pairs this extract with heavy butters or waxes the overall pore-clogging potential can rise, but the extract itself remains low risk.
Summary
Chloranthus Serratus Extract works mainly as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent. Its natural sugars act like tiny magnets that pull water into the upper layers of the skin while the polyphenols and subtle aromatic compounds leave the surface feeling soft and smooth. Because it is light and plant derived, formulators like to use it in hydrating serums, sheet masks and after-sun lotions where they want a refreshingly weightless finish.
It is not the hottest name on ingredient lists yet, sitting in the niche territory of newer Asian botanicals rather than in the global spotlight of hyaluronic acid or aloe, but its gentle nature and pleasant feel are helping it gain steady traction.
Current data and practical use show it to be very safe for most skin types with a low chance of irritation or pore blockage. Still, everyone’s skin is unique so it is wise to perform a small patch test when trying any new product that contains this extract.