Daphne Kiusiana 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 27, 2025
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We verify all information on this page using publicly available nomenclature standards from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), the European Commission's CosIng database and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Daphne Kiusiana Extract?

Daphne Kiusiana Extract is drawn from Daphne kiusiana, a small evergreen shrub native to Japan and parts of East Asia. The whole plant is collected and processed, giving the extract a blend of natural compounds such as flavonoids, coumarins and small amounts of aromatic oils. In folk practices the plant was valued for its soothing qualities, which caught the attention of modern formulators looking for gentle skin care actives. Today the extract is made through a controlled solvent extraction that removes unwanted plant matter, then refined to leave a clear liquid or soft powder suitable for cosmetic use.

Daphne Kiusiana Extract appears in moisturizers, hydrating serums, sheet masks, soothing lotions, eye creams and anti aging blends where a light yet nurturing touch is desired.

Daphne Kiusiana Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This ingredient is prized for one clear role in skin care.

Daphne Kiusiana Extract acts as a skin conditioning agent, meaning it helps keep the surface of the skin soft, smooth and healthy looking. In formulas it supports a comfortable feel, reduces tightness after cleansing and can enhance the overall sensory experience by adding a subtle botanical finish.

Who Can Use Daphne Kiusiana Extract

Daphne Kiusiana Extract is generally kind to most skin types, including dry, normal, combination and even sensitive skin, thanks to its mild conditioning nature. Oily and acne prone users can also try it since the extract is lightweight and not known to clog pores, though very reactive skin should start with low concentrations to be sure it feels comfortable.

The extract is plant based with no animal derived inputs, so it suits both vegans and vegetarians. Its harvesting and processing rely on botanical material only, which aligns with cruelty free preferences.

There is no strong evidence that the ingredient poses risks to women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Still, data is limited, so this is not medical advice and expecting or nursing mothers should check with their doctor before adding any new cosmetic product to their routine.

Daphne Kiusiana Extract is not known to increase photosensitivity, meaning it should not make skin more prone to sunburn. Normal daily sun protection is still recommended for overall skin health.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Side effects from topical use of Daphne Kiusiana Extract can vary from person to person. The points below list potential issues only; most people will not notice any problems when the ingredient is used correctly in a well made product.

  • Mild redness or stinging in very sensitive skin
  • Contact dermatitis in individuals allergic to plants in the Thymelaeaceae family
  • Rare delayed irritation when used on broken or compromised skin
  • Possible interaction with other strong actives like high level retinoids leading to dryness

If you experience any persistent discomfort stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1 out of 5

Daphne Kiusiana Extract is primarily a water soluble botanical with very little oil content so it is unlikely to block pores. Formulas typically use it at low concentrations, further reducing any pore clogging risk. For these reasons it earns a low score of 1 rather than a perfect 0, since individual responses can never be completely ruled out.

That means the extract is generally suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin, provided the overall product is also lightweight and non-occlusive.

No specific interactions with sebum production have been reported, and the ingredient is often paired with non-comedogenic bases, making it a safe choice for leave-on or rinse-off products aimed at blemish-prone users.

Summary

Daphne Kiusiana Extract is a gentle skin conditioning agent that helps maintain softness, smoothness and a calm feel. Its mix of natural flavonoids and aromatic compounds supports a comfortable skin barrier and pleasant sensory finish.

The extract is not a headline star in mainstream beauty yet it enjoys quiet popularity in niche calming or botanical-focused lines where formulators look for mild plant actives that play well with most skin types.

Safety data so far shows a low irritation profile with minimal comedogenic risk, making it suitable for daily use across dry, normal, combination oily and sensitive skin. As with any new ingredient it is wise to patch test a fresh product on a small area first to ensure personal compatibility.

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