Filipendula Glaberrima 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 Filipendula Glaberrima Extract?

Filipendula Glaberrima Extract is a botanical ingredient made from the whole Filipendula glaberrima plant, a flowering member of the rose family found mainly in East Asia. The plant contains natural compounds like flavonoids, tannins and phenolic acids that are valued for their soothing and antioxidant qualities.

Historically Korean folk practitioners steeped the herb in water to calm irritated skin, a use that caught the attention of modern formulators looking for gentle plant based actives. Today manufacturers harvest the aerial parts, dry them then soak them in a water or glycol solution to pull out the beneficial molecules. The liquid is filtered and preserved, yielding a clear to pale brown extract that blends well with most cosmetic bases.

You will often see Filipendula Glaberrima Extract in light hydrating toners, sheet masks, daily moisturizers, anti aging serums and after sun gels where a calming touch is desired.

Filipendula Glaberrima Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This extract mainly serves as a skin conditioning agent, helping formulas leave skin feeling soft comfortable and balanced. Its plant derived sugars and polyphenols support the skin’s moisture barrier, smooth rough patches and provide a mild antioxidant boost that can improve overall tone and texture.

Who Can Use Filipendula Glaberrima Extract

Because it is light non pore clogging and packed with calming plant compounds, Filipendula Glaberrima Extract tends to suit most skin types including oily combination dry and sensitive. Those with very reactive skin that flares up around botanical ingredients or anyone already known to be allergic to plants in the rose family should approach with caution since the extract comes from the same group.

The ingredient is sourced entirely from a flowering herb and the solvents commonly used to pull out its actives are plant based, so products that rely on this extract can be formulated to meet vegan and vegetarian standards. Always check the rest of the ingredient list for animal derived additives just in case.

No studies have flagged the extract as a concern for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when it is used topically in cosmetic concentrations. Still this is not medical advice and expecting or nursing mothers should run any new skincare product past their doctor to be on the safe side.

Filipendula Glaberrima Extract does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight, so it will not increase the risk of sunburn. Standard daily sunscreen habits are still recommended for overall skin health.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Responses to topical Filipendula Glaberrima Extract vary from person to person. The following is a list of potential side effects that could occur even though most users will never experience them as long as the product is properly formulated and used.

  • Contact irritation mild redness stinging or itching can occur on very sensitive or broken skin especially if the formula also contains high levels of alcohol or fragrance
  • Allergic contact dermatitis rare but possible in individuals allergic to other members of the Rosaceae family such as roses strawberries or meadowsweet
  • Excess dryness in products with a high alcohol base the soothing benefits of the extract may be outweighed by a drying vehicle leading to tight or flaky skin
  • Contamination related reactions if the extract or finished product is not fully preserved microbial growth could trigger breakouts or infection

If any adverse effect is noticed stop using the product right away and consult a healthcare professional for guidance.

Comedogenic Rating

Filipendula Glaberrima Extract earns a comedogenic rating of 0. The extract itself is water-like and contains no heavy oils or waxes that would block pores. Its main components are lightweight polyphenols, sugars and flavonoids that sit on the skin surface without forming an occlusive film. Because of this the ingredient is generally considered safe for those who are prone to acne or frequent breakouts.

Keep in mind that the overall pore-clogging risk of a finished product depends on the full formula. Rich butters, fatty alcohols or thick silicones paired with the extract could raise the product’s comedogenic potential even if the extract alone scores a zero.

Summary

Filipendula Glaberrima Extract is primarily a skin conditioning agent that helps hydrate, soothe and protect the skin’s barrier thanks to its natural sugars, tannins and antioxidant polyphenols. These compounds attract water, calm surface redness and neutralize free radicals leading to softer smoother skin over time.

While it is not yet a household name, the extract is gaining quiet popularity in Korean skin care where gentle plant actives are in demand. You will most often spot it in toners, gels or light creams aimed at sensitive or combination skin.

Current research and usage reports point to a high level of safety when the extract is used at typical cosmetic levels. Still individual sensitivities vary so it is wise to patch test any new product that features Filipendula Glaberrima Extract before applying it to larger areas of the face.

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