What Is Cleome Spinosa Flower Extract?
Cleome Spinosa Flower Extract comes from the blossoms of Cleome spinosa, a plant often called spiderflower because of its long, delicate stamens that resemble thin legs. The flowers are rich in sugars, natural acids and protective polyphenols that the plant uses to defend itself from sun and pests. Beauty formulators value these compounds for their ability to smooth and soften the hair surface.
Traditional healers in South America have long crushed spiderflower petals for soothing scalp rinses. Modern cosmetic chemists picked up on this folk use in the late twentieth century, testing the extract in laboratory studies that confirmed its hair conditioning talent. Today suppliers create the ingredient by harvesting fresh flowers, drying them at low heat then soaking the petals in a food-grade solvent such as glycerin or water. The liquid is filtered, concentrated and standardized so each batch delivers consistent performance.
You are most likely to see Cleome Spinosa Flower Extract in shampoos, rinse-out and leave-in conditioners, scalp serums and masks that promise smoother, more manageable hair. It can also appear in multi-benefit styling creams where formulators want a plant-based conditioning boost.
Cleome Spinosa Flower Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators turn to this extract mainly for its ability to improve the feel and appearance of hair.
Hair conditioning: The sugars and polyphenols in Cleome Spinosa Flower Extract form a light film along the hair shaft that helps seal in moisture, reduce static and make strands easier to detangle. This results in softer touch, added shine and less breakage during combing, which together give hair a healthier look.
Who Can Use Cleome Spinosa Flower Extract
Cleome Spinosa Flower Extract is gentle enough for most scalp and hair types, including oily, dry, color-treated and chemically relaxed hair. Because it is lightweight and film-forming rather than oily it rarely weighs down fine strands or worsens scalp oiliness. People with extremely sensitive or allergy-prone skin should read the ingredient list carefully in case they react to botanical substances, but the extract itself is not known to be sensitizing for any specific group.
The ingredient is derived entirely from plant flowers and processing does not involve animal by-products or animal testing at the raw material level, making it suitable for both vegans and vegetarians who seek cruelty-free options.
There is no published evidence indicating that topical use of Cleome Spinosa Flower Extract poses a risk during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Nonetheless this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should discuss any new hair or scalp product with a healthcare professional to be safe.
The extract does not increase photosensitivity, so users do not need to take extra sun protection measures beyond their normal routine.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects and reactions to topical Cleome Spinosa Flower Extract vary from person to person. The points below describe potential issues that are unlikely to occur for most users when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.
- Mild scalp or skin irritation
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to plant extracts
- Rare instances of redness or itching when used on broken or compromised skin
- Unexpected interaction with other strong actives such as exfoliating acids that can amplify irritation
If any discomfort or visible reaction develops stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5
Cleome Spinosa Flower Extract is water- or glycerin-based and contains mainly lightweight sugars and polyphenols rather than heavy oils or waxes. These molecules sit on the hair shaft not inside facial pores, so the likelihood of clogging is very low, earning it a score of 1.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone users since it is effectively non-comedogenic.
Because most formulas featuring this extract are rinsed off or applied to hair lengths rather than facial skin, real-world pore clogging risk is even smaller.
Summary
Cleome Spinosa Flower Extract is a plant-derived hair conditioner that smooths cuticles, traps moisture and reduces static thanks to its natural sugars and protective polyphenols. By forming a breathable film along each strand it boosts softness and shine and helps limit breakage during grooming.
The ingredient enjoys moderate use in niche clean beauty shampoos, conditioners and scalp treatments but has not yet reached mainstream fame, partly because it competes with better known botanical conditioners like aloe and oat.
Overall safety is excellent with only rare reports of irritation or allergy. As with any new cosmetic it is wise to patch test a small area first to confirm personal tolerance.