What Is Citrus Aurantifolia Flower/Sambucus Nigra Flower Extract?
Citrus Aurantifolia Flower/Sambucus Nigra Flower Extract is a blend made from the blossoms of the key lime tree (Citrus aurantifolia) and the elderflower plant (Sambucus nigra). The flowers are collected, dried and then soaked in a mix of water and mild solvents to pull out their active compounds. These include natural sugars, flavonoids and small amounts of fragrant oils that can soothe and soften skin.
Both flowers have been valued in folk beauty rituals for centuries. Lime blossom rinses were used to freshen the face while elderflower water was a classic skin tonic in European households. Modern cosmetic chemists noticed these traditional uses and began adding the combined extract to formulas in the early 2000s when plant-based skincare gained new popularity.
Today manufacturers produce the extract in controlled facilities to keep it free of contaminants. After the liquid is filtered it is either spray-dried into a fine powder or kept as a concentrated fluid, ready to mix into finished products.
You will most often spot Citrus Aurantifolia Flower/Sambucus Nigra Flower Extract in lightweight moisturizers, soothing masks, refreshing facial mists, after-sun lotions and anti-aging serums where a gentle, botanical touch is desired.
Citrus Aurantifolia Flower/Sambucus Nigra Flower Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This flower duo is prized for one key role in skincare.
Skin conditioning: The extract helps skin feel soft, calm and supple. Its natural sugars draw in water while the flavonoids provide a mild antioxidant shield. Together they improve texture, ease tightness and give formulas a smooth sensory feel that consumers enjoy.
Who Can Use Citrus Aurantifolia Flower/Sambucus Nigra Flower Extract
This gentle floral extract suits most skin types, including dry, normal, combination and oily skins. Its water-binding sugars give dry or dehydrated skin a quick moisture boost while the lightweight texture does not leave an oily film that might bother those prone to shine. Sensitive skin usually tolerates it well because it contains very low levels of essential oil compared with citrus peel ingredients, reducing the chance of stinging or redness. People with a known allergy to lime or elderflower should, however, approach with caution since the extract still carries trace allergens from the original plants.
The ingredient is plant derived with no animal by-products, so it is suitable for both vegans and vegetarians. Standard extraction uses food-grade solvents or glycerin sourced from plants, aligning with most cruelty-free and clean beauty standards.
Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals can generally use products containing this extract as it has no reported hormone-disrupting activity and is applied only to the skin. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should ask a doctor before adding new skincare products.
The flower blend does not normally cause photosensitivity because it lacks the furanocoumarins that make some citrus peel oils sun reactive. Routine sun protection is still recommended as part of any daytime skincare regimen.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Citrus Aurantifolia Flower/Sambucus Nigra Flower Extract differ from person to person. The points below list potential side effects only, and most users will not experience them when the ingredient is correctly formulated in a product.
- Allergic contact dermatitis – itching, redness or small bumps may occur in individuals allergic to lime or elderflower pollen
- Mild skin irritation – a transient tingling or warm feeling can appear on very sensitive skin, especially if used alongside strong exfoliants or retinoids
- Photosensitivity in rare cases – although uncommon, trace citrus compounds could heighten sun sensitivity for those with ultra-reactive skin
- Eye irritation – accidental contact with the eyes can lead to watering or stinging because of the extract’s natural acids
If any of these effects develop stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0–1
The extract is mostly water-soluble sugars, flavonoids and trace fragrance molecules, with virtually no heavy waxes or fatty acids that could clog pores. Because it is used at low concentrations and has a light, non-oily texture, it earns a 0–1 score on the comedogenic scale.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin types.
Formulators typically combine this extract with non-comedogenic thickeners and humectants, so the finished product’s pore-clogging potential usually depends more on the other ingredients in the formula than on this floral blend itself.
Summary
Citrus Aurantifolia Flower/Sambucus Nigra Flower Extract functions mainly as a skin-conditioning agent. Its natural sugars act as humectants, drawing moisture into the upper layers of skin while flavonoids provide a mild antioxidant boost that helps keep the complexion calm and supple. The end result is softer, smoother and more comfortable skin without a greasy feel.
Although not as famous as aloe or chamomile, the ingredient has carved out a niche in modern botanical skincare thanks to its gentle profile and pleasant sensory qualities. You will spot it in boutique moisturizers, toners and masks aimed at customers who prefer plant-based formulas.
Overall safety is considered high, with only rare reports of irritation or allergy in people sensitive to lime or elderflower. As with any new cosmetic, it is wise to perform a quick patch test before full use to ensure personal compatibility.