Hemerocallis Fulva Flower 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 Hemerocallis Fulva Flower Extract?

Hemerocallis Fulva Flower Extract comes from the bright orange flowers of the common daylily, Hemerocallis fulva, a plant in the lily family that has grown in East Asia for centuries and now thrives in many gardens around the world. The flowers contain natural sugars, amino acids, flavonoids and mild antioxidants that help the plant keep its vivid color and resist stress. These same components are valued in skin care for their ability to attract moisture and calm the surface of the skin.

Traditional cooks and herbalists in China and Korea have long eaten or brewed daylily flowers for comfort and wellness. As modern cosmetic science looked for gentle plant based ingredients, formulators studied daylily and found its flower extract left skin feeling smooth and fresh. To make the extract today, producers harvest the blossoms at peak bloom, air or low heat dry them, then soak the petals in a safe food grade solvent such as water or glycerin. The liquid is filtered and concentrated, leaving a clear golden solution that blends well with other cosmetic ingredients.

You will most often see Hemerocallis Fulva Flower Extract in hydrating sheet masks, soothing moisturizers, calming toners, lightweight serums and many anti aging creams aimed at bringing back a soft feel and healthy glow.

Hemerocallis Fulva Flower Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This flower based ingredient adds a touch of nature to a wide range of skin care products and focuses on one key job.

Skin conditioning: The extract helps the skin hold on to water, smooths rough patches and supports a soft supple feel. Its mild antioxidants can also help the skin look brighter and more alive after daily stress.

Who Can Use Hemerocallis Fulva Flower Extract

This gentle botanical works for most skin types including normal, dry, combination and sensitive skin thanks to its light water-binding nature. Oily or acne-prone users can also benefit because the extract is not heavy or greasy and is considered low on the clogging scale. Anyone with a known allergy to lilies or daylilies should avoid it, as cross reactions are possible.

Because the ingredient comes solely from a plant source and no animal derivatives are used in the extraction process, it is generally suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Always check the entire product label in case other ingredients do not meet personal standards.

No data suggests that Hemerocallis Fulva Flower Extract poses a special risk to women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Still, this is not medical advice and expectant or nursing mothers should ask a qualified healthcare provider before introducing any new skincare product.

The extract does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and can be used day or night without increasing the chance of sunburn. It layers well with common actives such as niacinamide or hyaluronic acid and has no known issues with most prescription topicals.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Reactions to the topical use of Hemerocallis Fulva Flower Extract differ from person to person. The points below describe potential effects that could occur although most people will not experience them when using well-formulated products.

  • Redness or mild irritation in very sensitive skin
  • Itching or rash in individuals allergic to lilies or related plants
  • Stinging sensation if applied to broken or heavily exfoliated skin
  • Watery eyes or minor eye irritation if the product is accidentally applied too close to the lash line

If any discomfort, swelling or persistent irritation develops stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0/5 – Hemerocallis Fulva Flower Extract is water based, contains no heavy oils or waxes and absorbs quickly without leaving a residue that can block pores. This makes it a practical option for people who break out easily.

Suitable for acne-prone skin.

Keep in mind that a product’s overall pore-clogging potential depends on the full formula, not just one ingredient.

Summary

Hemerocallis Fulva Flower Extract is mainly used as a skin-conditioning agent that hydrates, softens and helps the skin look refreshed thanks to its natural sugars, amino acids and mild antioxidants. Its light texture and low comedogenic rating allow formulators to add a soothing touch without weighing skin down.

While not as famous as aloe or green tea, this daylily extract shows up in a growing number of sheet masks, toners and moisturizers, especially in Korean skincare lines that favor gentle botanicals.

Current safety data views the extract as low risk for irritation or toxicity when used in standard cosmetic amounts. Still, everyone’s skin is unique so perform a quick patch test when trying any new product containing this ingredient.

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