Morus Australis Leaf Powder: 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
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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 Morus Australis Leaf Powder?

Morus Australis Leaf Powder comes from the leaves of the white mulberry tree variety known as Morus australis, a member of the mulberry family. Once the leaves are harvested they are washed, gently dried at low temperatures to save their natural nutrients, then finely milled into a soft green powder. The leaves hold a mix of plant sugars, flavonoids, vitamins and minerals that give the powder its skin friendly properties.

Mulberry leaves have a long history in East Asia, where they were brewed as herbal tea or applied to the skin for a fresh, soothed feel. Modern formulators picked up on this tradition, testing the leaf extract in lab settings and confirming its ability to soften and comfort the skin. Today the powder version is favored because it stays closer to the whole leaf and is easy to blend into water based recipes.

You will spot Morus Australis Leaf Powder in wash off masks, calming toners, lightweight moisturizers, anti aging lotions and brightening serums. Its mild nature makes it suitable for daily products as well as spa style treatments.

Morus Australis Leaf Powder’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

As a skin conditioning agent Morus Australis Leaf Powder helps the surface of the skin feel smoother, softer and more supple. It supports the skin barrier with a light touch of natural sugars and antioxidants, leaving the complexion looking refreshed and comfortable.

Who Can Use Morus Australis Leaf Powder

Morus Australis Leaf Powder is gentle enough for most skin types, including normal, dry, oily and combination. Its soothing profile also makes it a friendly option for sensitive skin, as it lacks the harsh acids or strong fragrances that often trigger redness. Anyone with a known allergy to mulberry or other members of the Moraceae family, however, should avoid it since the plant proteins could set off a reaction.

The powder is entirely plant derived so it fits both vegetarian and vegan lifestyles without reservations. No animal by-products or animal testing are involved in its standard production.

Current research shows no specific issues for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the powder is used topically in cosmetic amounts. Still, this is not medical advice and those who are expecting or nursing should run any new product past a trusted healthcare provider to be extra safe.

Morus Australis Leaf Powder does not make skin more sensitive to the sun. Even so, daily sunscreen remains important since other ingredients in a routine or simple UV exposure can still cause damage.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Responses to topical Morus Australis Leaf Powder vary from person to person. The effects listed below are only potential outcomes and are unlikely for the average user when the ingredient is included at appropriate levels by a reputable manufacturer.

  • Allergic contact dermatitis with itching, redness or small bumps in users allergic to mulberry
  • Mild stinging or burning on very reactive skin, especially if applied to broken or freshly exfoliated areas
  • Dry or tight feel when layered with several other tannin-rich botanicals that may collectively pull moisture from the surface

If any unwanted reaction occurs stop using the product and consult a qualified healthcare professional or dermatologist.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1/5

Morus Australis Leaf Powder contains very little oil and is mostly made up of water-soluble sugars, flavonoids and minerals, so it has almost no tendency to block pores. The fine, lightweight particles disperse easily in water based formulas and rinse clean without leaving a greasy film. This low-oil profile is why it earns a rating of 1 rather than 0, since in rare cases any particulate plant material can cling to sebum in very oily skin.

With such a low score the ingredient is generally considered safe for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.

One extra note: in thick, clay-heavy masks the powder could mix with other absorbent ingredients and form a paste that sits in pores longer than usual. Proper rinsing removes this risk.

Summary

Morus Australis Leaf Powder acts mainly as a skin conditioning agent, helping skin feel smoother and more supple. Its natural sugars attract light moisture, flavonoids supply antioxidant support and trace minerals calm visible irritation, all of which leave the complexion looking fresh and comfortable.

The ingredient is moderately popular, showing up most often in K-beauty style toners, wash off masks and gentle daily lotions, but it is still a niche choice compared with better known botanicals like green tea or aloe.

Safety data and real-world use both point to a low risk of irritation or pore blockage, making the powder suitable for a wide range of skin types. Still, skin is personal, so it is always smart to patch test any new product that contains Morus Australis Leaf Powder.

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