Lonicera Periclymenum Callus Culture 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 Periclymenum Callus Culture Extract?

Lonicera Periclymenum Callus Culture Extract comes from honeysuckle, a flowering vine in the Caprifoliaceae family. Scientists take a tiny sample of the plant tissue, create a callus (a mass of undifferentiated cells) in a sterile lab and then grow this callus in controlled conditions. The resulting cell culture is rich in plant sugars, organic acids and natural protective molecules that the vine uses to defend itself in the wild.

Interest in honeysuckle dates back to traditional beauty rituals where the flowers were steeped for their gently fragrant water. Modern cosmetic labs began exploring callus culture technology in the 2000s as a way to get consistent plant actives without seasonal limits or pesticide residues. By isolating the cells and letting them multiply in nutrient media, manufacturers can harvest a stable extract year-round with a well-defined profile.

After the cells are grown, they are broken apart, filtered and mixed with a skin friendly carrier like glycerin or water. The finished extract is then added to formulas at low percentages. You will most often spot it in soothing face masks, daily moisturizers, anti aging serums, blemish treatments and leave-on lotions that aim to calm and protect the skin.

Lonicera Periclymenum Callus Culture Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This multitasking plant extract brings several perks to topical products

  • Antimicrobial – helps keep the formula fresh by slowing the growth of unwanted microbes which can also support a cleaner skin environment
  • Skin Conditioning – supplies lightweight hydration and plant sugars that leave skin feeling soft smooth and more supple
  • Skin Protecting – forms a gentle shield of antioxidants and soothing compounds that defend against daily environmental stress such as pollution and dryness

Who Can Use Lonicera Periclymenum Callus Culture Extract

Lonicera Periclymenum Callus Culture Extract is generally well tolerated by every skin type including oily, dry, combination and sensitive skin. It is lightweight, non greasy and contains soothing constituents so even redness-prone or reactive complexions tend to handle it without trouble. Only people with a known honeysuckle allergy or severe fragrance sensitivities should proceed cautiously since traces of the plant’s natural aroma compounds may remain.

The extract is produced entirely from plant cells grown in a sterile lab with no animal-derived mediums so it is suitable for both vegans and vegetarians. Cell culture technology also avoids field cultivation meaning fewer agrochemical residues reach the final cosmetic.

There is no published evidence suggesting that topical use poses a risk during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Still this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should show the full ingredient list of any skincare product to a qualified health professional before starting regular use.

The ingredient does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and does not interfere with sunscreen filters so daytime application is fine. It can be layered with common actives such as niacinamide or hyaluronic acid without known issues.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Reactions to topical Lonicera Periclymenum Callus Culture Extract are uncommon but everybody’s skin is unique. The points below outline potential side effects which remain rare when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.

  • Contact irritation – mild stinging or redness may appear on very reactive skin especially if the product also contains high levels of acids or alcohol
  • Allergic contact dermatitis – a small percentage of users could be allergic to honeysuckle compounds leading to itching bumps or swelling
  • Interaction with other preservatives – in poorly designed formulas the extract’s natural acids might destabilize certain preservative systems causing unexpected spoilage

If any discomfort persistent redness or rash develops stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0/5

Lonicera Periclymenum Callus Culture Extract is largely made of water soluble plant sugars, mild organic acids and antioxidant molecules with virtually no pore-clogging lipids or waxes. Its lightweight non greasy nature earns it the lowest score on the comedogenic scale.

The extract on its own is suitable for skin that is prone to acne or frequent breakouts.

Remember the rating applies only to this single ingredient. A product that combines it with heavy oils, butters or occlusive silicones could still feel comedogenic to some users.

Summary

Lonicera Periclymenum Callus Culture Extract keeps formulas fresh by discouraging unwanted microbes, conditions skin with humectant plant sugars that draw in water and shields the complexion with gentle antioxidants that fend off everyday environmental stress.

The callus culture version of honeysuckle is still a niche addition mainly seen in boutique serums and calming moisturizers rather than mass market lines, yet its multitasking benefits are winning steady interest from formulators who want plant based actives without seasonal limits.

Safety profiles show a low incidence of irritation or allergy so most people can enjoy the extract without concern. That said, every skin is unique so it is wise to perform a quick patch test whenever trying a new product containing this ingredient.

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