Lonicera Caprifolium 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: July 1, 2025
Share:
Inside this article:

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 Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract?

Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract comes from the blossoms of the Italian honeysuckle, a climbing shrub known for its sweet fragrance and nectar-rich flowers. The extract contains naturally occurring flavonoids, organic acids and gentle sugars that contribute to both its scent and skin-friendly properties. Honeysuckle has long been appreciated in traditional bath rituals and perfumery, which paved the way for its modern appearance in skincare and hair care lines.

Commercial producers usually harvest fresh blooms at peak fragrance, then steep them in a food-grade solvent such as water, glycerin or a mix of alcohol and water. The liquid dissolves aromatic and beneficial compounds, after which the plant solids are removed and the solution is filtered and refined. Some manufacturers follow with gentle heat or vacuum concentration to reach the desired potency before adding preservatives suitable for cosmetics.

The finished extract shows up in a range of products, including facial cleansers, toners, lightweight lotions, richer creams, overnight masks, anti-aging serums, soothing after-sun gels, body milks, hand creams, scalp treatments and mild shampoos. Its dual role as a natural fragrance note and skin conditioner makes it a popular choice in formulations that aim for a botanical or “clean beauty” positioning.

Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This flower-derived ingredient offers two main functions that enhance both the sensory profile and the performance of cosmetic products

  • Perfuming: Delivers a soft, sweet floral aroma that can mask less pleasant base notes, round out a fragrance accord or add a fresh top note without relying on synthetic scent molecules
  • Skin Conditioning: Provides mild antioxidant activity and a touch of natural sugars that help keep the skin feeling smooth, supple and comforted, supporting a healthy-looking moisture barrier

Who Can Use Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract

Because it is gentle and largely water soluble, Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract suits most skin types, including normal, dry, combination, oily and mildly sensitive skin. Very reactive or allergy-prone individuals should take note of the ingredient’s natural fragrance molecules, which can occasionally aggravate already inflamed or compromised skin.

The extract is botanical and sourced from honeysuckle blossoms, with no animal derivatives or by-products involved in harvesting or processing. For that reason it is considered suitable for both vegans and vegetarians.

Current safety data do not flag any concerns for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the extract is used topically in typical cosmetic concentrations. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should show the full ingredient list of any product to a qualified healthcare provider before adding it to their routine.

Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract is not known to increase photosensitivity, so normal daytime exposure to sunlight while using products that contain it should not pose an extra risk. As with any fragranced ingredient, applying it to freshly shaved or abraded skin may heighten the chance of stinging or redness, so a little extra caution is sensible in those situations.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Individual responses to topical Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract vary. The following points list potential side effects, yet most users will not experience them when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.

  • Mild skin irritation or redness, especially on very sensitive skin
  • Allergic contact dermatitis stemming from natural fragrance components
  • Stinging sensation if applied to broken or freshly exfoliated skin
  • Rare eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes

If any of these reactions occur stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional for further guidance.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1 out of 5

Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract is primarily composed of lightweight water soluble compounds rather than heavy oils or waxes that can block pores. Its natural sugars, acids and fragrance molecules do not usually linger on the skin in a way that traps sebum or debris, which keeps its likelihood of clogging pores low. For this reason it is generally suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin, provided the individual is not sensitive to botanical fragrances. The only caveat is that some formulas may pair the extract with richer emollients, so the overall product, not the extract itself, should be assessed if congestion is a concern.

Summary

Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract serves two key functions in cosmetics: it imparts a gentle honeysuckle scent that freshens up formulas and it conditions skin with mild antioxidants and moisture-friendly sugars that help maintain a supple feel. These benefits stem from its natural blend of flavonoids, organic acids and aromatic compounds pulled from the flower through aqueous or hydroalcoholic extraction.

The ingredient enjoys steady popularity in botanical-themed and clean beauty lines thanks to its dual fragrance and skincare perks, though it remains less common than powerhouse actives like hyaluronic acid or vitamin C.

Topically it is considered low risk for most users when used at standard cosmetic levels. Adverse reactions are uncommon and usually limited to fragrance sensitivity. As with any new skincare ingredient it is wise to perform a simple patch test before full use to make sure your skin agrees with it.

Was this article helpful?
More from Glooshi:
ADVERTISEMENT
Get all our top headlines in beauty.
Delivered right to your inbox each week. Zero spam, all goodness, opt-out at anytime.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Get the latest beauty news, top product recommendations & brand-exclusive discount codes direct to your inbox.
Send good feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Send bad feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Search