What Is Lespedeza Cyrtobotrya Extract?
Lespedeza Cyrtobotrya Extract comes from the whole Lespedeza cyrtobotrya plant, a flowering member of the pea family that grows across East Asia. The plant is rich in natural compounds like flavonoids, amino acids and sugars that help it survive harsh outdoor conditions, and these same compounds give the extract value in skin care. Traditional herbalists in Korea and China have long used Lespedeza to soothe skin after sun or wind exposure. Modern formulators took note of those calming traits in the early 2000s when the K-beauty trend began searching for new botanical actives. Today manufacturers dry and mill the aerial parts of the plant, then soak the powder in a water-based or glycerin-based solvent to pull out the beneficial molecules. The liquid is filtered and concentrated, giving a light amber extract that blends well with other ingredients. You will most often see Lespedeza Cyrtobotrya Extract in sheet masks, daily moisturizers, anti-aging serums, overnight creams, calming post-sun gels and even some lightweight scalp or beard treatments.
Lespedeza Cyrtobotrya Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This versatile botanical can play several roles in a formula, helping both the product and the skin.
- Antifoaming – keeps bubbles from forming during production so lotions and gels look smooth and feel elegant when applied
- Antimicrobial – helps curb the growth of unwanted microbes in the finished product which supports a cleaner shelf life
- Antioxidant – supplies flavonoids that neutralize free radicals on the skin surface protecting against dullness and early signs of aging
- Humectant – attracts water from the air and holds it at the skin’s surface boosting instant hydration and leaving skin feeling fresh
- Skin Conditioning – softens rough patches and improves overall texture so skin feels smoother and appears more even
- Skin Protecting – forms a light shield that helps defend against environmental stress like pollution or wind
Who Can Use Lespedeza Cyrtobotrya Extract
Because it is lightweight and mostly water-glycerin based, Lespedeza Cyrtobotrya Extract suits nearly all skin types. Oily or combination skin benefits from its non-greasy hydration while dry or mature skin enjoys the extra moisture pull from its humectant sugars. Sensitive skin usually tolerates the extract well thanks to its soothing flavonoids, though anyone with a known allergy to legumes should pay close attention to how their skin responds.
The extract is 100 percent plant derived, so it is compatible with vegan and vegetarian lifestyles. No animal by-products are used during cultivation or extraction.
Current research shows no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used topically at the low percentages common in cosmetics. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should run all skincare choices past their doctor to be on the safe side.
Lespedeza Cyrtobotrya Extract does not increase photosensitivity, so daytime use is considered safe when paired with a regular broad-spectrum sunscreen. It is also fragrance free and has a neutral scent profile, making it easy to layer with other products without sensory conflict.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical Lespedeza Cyrtobotrya Extract vary from person to person. The points below list potential reactions, though most users will not experience them when the ingredient is properly formulated in a finished product.
- Allergic rash or hives
- Mild redness or warmth at the application site
- Contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to pea family plants
- Interaction with other strong actives (e.g. retinoids or high-percentage acids) that may amplify irritation
If any of these effects occur discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5 – Lespedeza Cyrtobotrya Extract is mostly made up of water-soluble flavonoids, sugars and amino acids with very little oil content, so it does not clog pores in standard cosmetic concentrations. The rating sits at 1 instead of 0 because every botanical carries a slight chance of residue build-up when paired with heavier emollients in a finished formula.
This low score means the extract is generally suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.
Keep in mind that the overall pore-friendliness of a product depends on the full ingredient list, not just one plant extract.
Summary
Lespedeza Cyrtobotrya Extract works as an antioxidant, humectant, antimicrobial, skin conditioning, skin protecting and antifoaming agent. Its flavonoids mop up free radicals, its natural sugars pull water to the surface for light hydration, and its gentle antimicrobial action supports product preservation. On skin it smooths rough patches and lays down a breathable shield that helps fend off environmental stress.
The extract enjoys moderate popularity, especially in K-beauty inspired moisturizers and sheet masks, but it has yet to reach the mainstream fame of ingredients like niacinamide or hyaluronic acid.
Current data shows the extract to be low risk for topical use when formulated at common cosmetic levels. As with any new skincare ingredient it is wise to do a quick patch test before full use to check personal tolerance.