Fragaria Ananassa/Nilgerrensis Fruit 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 Fragaria Ananassa/Nilgerrensis Fruit Extract?

Fragaria Ananassa/Nilgerrensis Fruit Extract comes from the berries produced when the common garden strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) is cross-pollinated with the Himalayan strawberry (Fragaria nilgerrensis). The fruit is rich in natural sugars, low-weight acids such as citric and malic acid, vitamins C and E and small amounts of skin-friendly minerals. These components give the extract its ability to attract water and soften skin.

Strawberries have been used in folk beauty rituals for centuries, often mashed and applied as quick masks. Modern formulators noticed their natural humectant and smoothing qualities and began refining the raw fruit into a stable extract. The process usually involves crushing ripe berries, filtering out solids then using food-grade solvents or water-glycerin mixes to pull out the beneficial molecules. The liquid is then concentrated and preserved.

You will most often spot Fragaria Ananassa/Nilgerrensis Fruit Extract in lightweight facial mists, hydrating serums, gel moisturizers, brightening masks and leave-on treatments that aim to refresh dull or dehydrated skin.

Fragaria Ananassa/Nilgerrensis Fruit Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

When added to skin care, this berry-derived ingredient offers two key actions:

  • Humectant – draws moisture from the air and helps bind it to the outer layer of skin, giving an instant plumping effect and improving overall hydration levels
  • Skin conditioning – smooths the skin surface, softens rough patches and can enhance the feel of a formula, making it glide and absorb more easily

Who Can Use Fragaria Ananassa/Nilgerrensis Fruit Extract

This fruit extract is generally well suited to dry, normal and combination skin thanks to its water-binding sugars and smoothing acids. Oily skin types can also benefit because the ingredient is lightweight and does not add occlusive oils. Those with very reactive or barrier-impaired skin should patch test first since natural fruit acids may cause a brief tingle on compromised skin.

The extract is plant derived with no animal by-products so it meets vegan and vegetarian standards.

No data link the topical use of this berry extract to risks during pregnancy or while nursing. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding should run all skincare choices past a doctor just to be safe.

The ingredient does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and can be used during daytime routines without raising photo-reactivity concerns.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Responses to topical Fragaria Ananassa/Nilgerrensis Fruit Extract differ from one person to another. The points below outline potential side effects yet most users will not run into these issues when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.

  • Allergic reaction – rare itching or swelling can occur in individuals with a known strawberry allergy
  • Mild stinging or redness – the natural citric and malic acids may cause a short-lived tingle on freshly exfoliated or damaged skin
  • Contact dermatitis – fragrance-sensitive users could react to trace aromatic compounds present in the fruit
  • Over-exfoliation – when layered with separate acid peels or scrubs the added acidity may heighten irritation
  • Temporary pink staining – highly concentrated forms may leave a faint tint on very fair skin that washes off

If any of these reactions occur discontinue use and seek guidance from a healthcare professional or dermatologist.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0 / 5

Fragaria Ananassa/Nilgerrensis Fruit Extract is water based with negligible lipids so it does not clog pores or trap sebum. Its small molecules of natural sugars, acids and vitamins rinse away easily and do not leave a film that could block follicles. Because of this it is considered non-comedogenic and is generally suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.

Products that combine the extract with heavy oils, thick butters or waxes may shift the overall formula’s pore-clogging potential, so always look at the complete ingredient list rather than focusing on a single component.

Summary

Fragaria Ananassa/Nilgerrensis Fruit Extract acts mainly as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent. The fruit’s natural sugars and low-weight acids pull water toward the outer skin layers while smoothing rough texture, leaving the complexion plump and refreshed. Although strawberry-inspired ingredients have gained some attention in K-beauty and clean beauty circles, this specific hybrid extract is still more of a supporting player than a headline act in mainstream formulas.

Current research and cosmetic usage data show it to be a low-risk, plant-derived ingredient with few reported adverse effects. Even so, everyone’s skin is unique so patch testing a new product that contains this extract is a smart precaution before applying it to the full face.

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