What Is Defatted Hydrangea Macrophylla Flower?
Defatted Hydrangea Macrophylla Flower comes from the showy hydrangea shrub native to Japan and Korea, now grown worldwide for its large colorful blooms. Once the flowers are harvested they are gently dried then treated with a food grade solvent or supercritical CO2 to strip away natural oils. Removing the fat concentrates the water soluble components such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, hydrangenol and small amounts of natural sugars while helping the material stay stable and light in color. The dried defatted petals are then milled into a fine powder that blends easily into cosmetic bases.
Hydrangea flowers have long appeared in traditional teas and bath rituals that aimed to soothe skin. Modern formulators picked up on these calming qualities in the early 2000s when plant based extracts became popular in K-beauty products. Today defatted Hydrangea Macrophylla Flower can be spotted in sheet masks, leave-on toners, lightweight serums, moisturizers for sensitive skin, after-sun gels and eye creams where a gentle plant booster is desired.
Defatted Hydrangea Macrophylla Flower’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient is valued mainly for one role in personal care formulas.
Skin conditioning: The flower powder helps the skin feel soft and comfortable by supplying mild humectant sugars and antioxidant flavonoids that support the skin barrier. It can lend a soothing touch to products aimed at dryness or temporary redness, making the overall formula feel more nurturing without adding heaviness or fragrance.
Who Can Use Defatted Hydrangea Macrophylla Flower
This botanical suits most skin types including dry, sensitive or mature skin because it is light, non greasy and focused on calming the skin barrier. Very oily or acne prone skin can also tolerate it since the powder is oil free, though results will depend on the overall formula it sits in.
Because it is a purely plant based material with no animal derivatives, it is appropriate for vegans and vegetarians provided the finished product has not been tested on animals.
Current research shows no specific risks for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when the ingredient is used topically in cosmetic amounts. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should run new skincare products past a qualified healthcare provider to be sure they fit individual needs.
The flower powder does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight, so it is not considered photosensitising. It also plays well with common actives like niacinamide, panthenol and ceramides without destabilising them.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Defatted Hydrangea Macrophylla Flower vary from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects which are unlikely for the average user when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.
- Mild redness or itching in those with very reactive skin
- Stinging sensation if applied to broken or freshly exfoliated skin
- Allergic contact dermatitis in rare cases for individuals sensitive to hydrangea species
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
If any of these effects occur discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 / 5
Defatted Hydrangea Macrophylla Flower contains virtually no residual oils or waxes after the defatting step so it does not clog pores or leave a film on the skin. The particles are small and rinsable and the sugars it provides are water soluble, all of which keeps the ingredient from blocking follicles.
Because of this it is generally suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.
Formulas that pair the powder with heavy butters or thick silicones might still feel occlusive so always consider the complete product, not just this single ingredient.
Summary
Defatted Hydrangea Macrophylla Flower acts mainly as a skin conditioner, giving a soft hydrated feel through gentle humectant sugars and antioxidant flavonoids that help calm the surface and support the barrier. It does this without adding oil or fragrance which makes it easy to add to light toners, masks and serums.
The flower is not a mainstream blockbuster like hyaluronic acid or vitamin C yet it enjoys steady use in K-beauty and niche soothing formulas thanks to its mild profile and botanical appeal.
Topical use is considered very safe with only rare reports of irritation or allergy. As with any new skincare item, do a quick patch test when trying a product that contains this ingredient to make sure it suits your skin.