Prunus Avium Flower Water: 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 Prunus Avium Flower Water?

Prunus Avium Flower Water is the aromatic water collected from the blossoms of the sweet cherry tree, a member of the rose family better known for its glossy red fruit. During steam distillation of the fresh flowers, volatile compounds and water-soluble actives are captured in a clear fluid sometimes called floral water or hydrosol. This gentle liquid carries trace amounts of polyphenols, sugars and natural acids that give it mild antioxidant and soothing properties.

Cherry trees have long held cultural significance in Europe and Asia, and their delicate petals were traditionally steeped in water for use as fragrant facial splashes. Modern cosmetic formulators adopted the ingredient in the early 2000s once gentle, food-grade distillation techniques made consistent quality possible.

Today Prunus Avium Flower Water is produced by harvesting blossoms at peak bloom, distilling them with low-pressure steam, then separating the essential oil layer from the water fraction. The resulting hydrosol is preserved and shipped to labs, where it is blended into face mists, toners, sheet masks, lightweight moisturizers, after-sun gels, scalp tonics and anti-aging serums that aim to refresh and soften skin without heaviness.

Prunus Avium Flower Water’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

In formulations this ingredient serves a single primary role: skin conditioning. By depositing a whisper-light film of moisture and beneficial plant compounds, it helps skin feel smoother, more supple and comfortably hydrated. Its natural sugars and mild antioxidants support the skin barrier, while its subtle floral scent adds a pleasant sensorial touch that can elevate the overall user experience.

Who Can Use Prunus Avium Flower Water

This flower water is generally suitable for all skin types including dry, oily, combination and sensitive because it is lightweight and low in common irritants. Very reactive or allergy-prone users who know they are sensitive to cherry pollen or other members of the rose family may want to proceed with caution, as trace botanical proteins could trigger a response.

The ingredient is plant derived and obtained without animal products or by-products, so it meets vegan and vegetarian standards.

Current safety data do not flag any special risks for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should show the full product label to their health professional before use.

Prunus Avium Flower Water is not known to cause photosensitivity, so it does not make skin more prone to sunburn. It also plays well with most other skincare ingredients and does not interfere with actives like retinol or vitamin C.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Reactions to topical Prunus Avium Flower Water differ from person to person. The points below list potential side effects, but most consumers will not experience them when the ingredient is used correctly in a well-formulated product.

  • Mild redness or irritation in very sensitive skin
  • Allergic response such as itching, rash or hives in individuals allergic to cherries or other Rosaceae plants
  • Stinging or tightness if applied to broken or freshly exfoliated skin
  • Rare contact dermatitis from prolonged exposure to a high-concentration hydrosol

If any of these reactions occur, stop using the product immediately and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0 / 5

Prunus Avium Flower Water is over 99 percent water with only trace amounts of sugars and polyphenols, so it lacks the heavyweight lipids and waxes that can block pores. Because it evaporates quickly and leaves almost no residue, it is considered non-comedogenic.

Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.

Only the finished formula matters in the end; if the hydrosol is blended into a rich occlusive cream, that product could still clog pores even though the flower water itself does not.

Summary

Prunus Avium Flower Water is a lightweight hydrosol used to condition skin, provide a touch of antioxidant support and add a soft cherry blossom aroma. It does this by depositing a thin veil of moisture along with gentle plant compounds that help skin feel smooth and refreshed.

The ingredient enjoys steady but modest popularity, showing up most often in face mists, toners and sheet masks aimed at a sensorial boost rather than heavy duty treatment.

Safety data and user reports place it among the mildest botanical waters. Adverse reactions are rare and usually limited to those with existing cherry or Rosaceae allergies. Still, skin is personal so it is wise to do a quick patch test when trying any new product that includes this hydrosol.

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