Cudrania Tricuspidata Branch/Leaf 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
Share:
Inside this article:

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 Cudrania Tricuspidata Branch/Leaf Extract?

Cudrania Tricuspidata Branch/Leaf Extract comes from the branches and leaves of the Cudrania tricuspidata tree, a mulberry relative native to East Asia. The plant is naturally rich in flavonoids, xanthones and other polyphenols that act as strong antioxidants. Long valued in traditional Korean and Chinese topical remedies for its soothing qualities, the extract caught the attention of modern skin-care formulators looking for plant based defense against environmental stress.

To make the ingredient, harvested branches and leaves are cleaned, dried and ground, then soaked in a gentle food-grade solvent such as ethanol or glycerin. The solution is filtered to remove plant solids and the liquid is concentrated to create a stable extract suitable for cosmetic use. This process keeps the temperature low so the heat sensitive antioxidants stay active.

Today the extract appears in a range of products that aim to protect and refresh the skin. You will often find it in sheet masks, anti aging serums, daily moisturizers, soothing toners, lightweight lotions and sun care boosters where its antioxidant punch adds an extra layer of defense.

Cudrania Tricuspidata Branch/Leaf Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This botanical ingredient plays a single yet important role in skin-care formulas.

As an antioxidant, Cudrania Tricuspidata Branch/Leaf Extract helps neutralize free radicals created by UV light, pollution and normal metabolic processes. By cutting down these unstable molecules, the extract supports a brighter, healthier looking complexion, helps slow the appearance of premature lines and aids in maintaining overall skin resilience.

Who Can Use Cudrania Tricuspidata Branch/Leaf Extract

This extract is gentle enough for most skin types including dry, normal, combination and oily skin thanks to its water-based profile and lack of heavy oils. Sensitive skin can usually tolerate it as well since the ingredient is free of common irritants like fragrance and harsh acids. People with a known allergy to mulberry relatives should be cautious because the plant belongs to the same family and cross-reactivity is possible, though rare.

The material is derived entirely from plant branches and leaves, contains no animal by-products and is typically processed with food-grade solvents so it meets vegan and vegetarian standards.

No data suggest the extract poses a specific risk to women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when used topically in normal cosmetic concentrations. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should show their chosen products to a qualified health professional to be extra safe.

The ingredient does not increase skin sensitivity to sunlight so users do not need to worry about added risk of sunburn beyond normal exposure.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Reactions to topical Cudrania Tricuspidata Branch/Leaf Extract differ from person to person. The points below outline potential issues only and most people will not notice any of them when the ingredient is included at typical cosmetic levels.

  • Mild redness or warmth a short-lived flush can occur on very reactive skin
  • Itching or tingling usually transient but may signal sensitivity
  • Dry patches if the formula around the extract has an astringent base
  • Contact dermatitis rare allergic response more likely in those allergic to mulberry family plants
  • Interaction with strong exfoliants using the extract right after high-strength acids or retinoids might amplify irritation in some individuals

If any discomfort or rash develops users should stop applying the product and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0 / 5

Cudrania Tricuspidata Branch/Leaf Extract is a light water based botanical with virtually no oils or waxes that could sit in pores. Current data and user reports show no link between the extract and clogged pores so it earns a zero on the comedogenic scale.

This makes the ingredient friendly for people who are prone to acne or regular breakouts.

The only time pore issues might appear is if the overall formula pairs the extract with heavy butters or rich silicones so always look at the full ingredient list of the finished product.

Summary

Cudrania Tricuspidata Branch/Leaf Extract brings one clear benefit to skin care: antioxidant defense. Its mix of flavonoids, xanthones and other polyphenols sweeps up free radicals produced by sunlight, pollution and day-to-day stress helping skin stay brighter, smoother and more resilient.

While not yet a household name, the extract is gaining attention as brands search for gentler plant based options to support healthy skin. You will mostly see it in specialty Korean formulas, niche clean beauty lines and a growing handful of mainstream serums and masks.

Safety testing and user feedback point to a low risk profile. It is non-comedogenic, vegan friendly and unlikely to irritate most skin types. Still, everyone’s skin is unique so it is wise to carry out a quick patch test whenever you pick up a new product containing this or any other active ingredient.

Was this article helpful?
More from Glooshi:
ADVERTISEMENT
Get all our top headlines in beauty.
Delivered right to your inbox each week. Zero spam, all goodness, opt-out at anytime.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Get the latest beauty news, top product recommendations & brand-exclusive discount codes direct to your inbox.
Send good feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Send bad feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Search