Chrysanthemum Indicum 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 24, 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 Chrysanthemum Indicum Flower Extract?

Chrysanthemum Indicum Flower Extract comes from the small yellow flowers of Chrysanthemum indicum, a member of the daisy family. The blooms are rich in natural antioxidants such as flavonoids, phenolic acids and volatile oils that help protect the plant in the wild and can also benefit skin when used in cosmetics.

Chrysanthemum flowers have been steeped in traditional beauty rituals across Asia for centuries, often brewed as calming teas or applied as herbal poultices. Modern cosmetic chemists took note of these soothing properties in the late twentieth century and began including the flower extract in skin care formulas to help comfort and condition the skin.

To make the extract, dried flowers are gently soaked in water, glycerin, or a mild plant-based solvent. The liquid is then filtered and concentrated to capture the botanical compounds while removing any leftover plant matter. The result is a clear to pale yellow fluid that blends easily into creams, gels and lotions.

You will most often spot Chrysanthemum Indicum Flower Extract in calming toners, sheet masks, everyday moisturizers, after-sun products and anti-aging serums aimed at keeping skin soft and balanced.

Chrysanthemum Indicum Flower Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This flower extract serves one main purpose in skin care products.

Skin conditioning: The natural antioxidants and sugars in the extract help soften the skin surface, support a healthy moisture barrier and leave the complexion feeling calm and refreshed.

Who Can Use Chrysanthemum Indicum Flower Extract

Most skin types can enjoy products containing Chrysanthemum Indicum Flower Extract. The ingredient is lightweight yet soothing so it suits oily, combination and normal skin while the natural sugars help dry or mature skin hold on to moisture. Its calming profile also makes it a solid choice for sensitive or redness-prone complexions. There are no specific skin types that need to steer clear unless they already know they react to plants in the daisy family.

The extract is fully plant derived, making it compatible with vegan and vegetarian lifestyles as long as the finished formula does not include animal-based additives such as beeswax or collagen.

Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals are not known to face added risk when using this botanical in wash-off or leave-on products but research during these life stages is often limited. This is not medical advice, so anyone expecting or nursing should run any skincare routine by their doctor to be safe.

The ingredient is not known to cause photosensitivity, so it can be used morning or night without raising the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. Standard daytime sun protection is still recommended for overall skin health.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Responses to topical Chrysanthemum Indicum Flower Extract vary from person to person. The effects listed below are simply possibilities and are unlikely to affect the average user when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.

  • Allergic contact dermatitis – People with allergies to ragweed, chamomile or other Asteraceae plants may experience itching, redness or small bumps
  • Irritation on compromised skin – Skin already broken, sunburned or inflamed could sting or feel warm when the extract is applied
  • Eye irritation – If a product drifts into the eyes it may cause watering or a mild burning sensation until rinsed out
  • Interaction with potent actives – Very high concentrations of exfoliating acids or retinoids layered immediately before or after may heighten the chance of dryness or sensitivity

If any negative reaction occurs stop using the product and consult a qualified healthcare professional or dermatologist.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0 / 5 – Chrysanthemum Indicum Flower Extract is water based, contains negligible oils and does not leave an occlusive film, so it is very unlikely to clog pores.

That makes it a friendly option for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.

If the extract is delivered in a heavy cream or paired with pore-clogging oils, the finished product’s overall comedogenic potential will depend more on those other ingredients than on the flower extract itself.

Summary

Chrysanthemum Indicum Flower Extract acts mainly as a skin-conditioning agent. Its natural mix of antioxidants neutralises everyday free radicals, while plant sugars and gentle flavonoids help reinforce the moisture barrier so skin feels soft, calm and balanced.

The extract enjoys steady popularity in soothing toners, sheet masks and moisturisers, especially within K-beauty formulas, but it is still less common than powerhouse botanicals like green tea or aloe.

Current data show the ingredient is generally safe for most skin types with a very low risk of irritation or breakouts. As with any new skincare addition, it is wise to patch test a product that features this botanical to be sure your skin agrees with it.

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