What Is Prunus Serotina Bark Extract?
Prunus Serotina Bark Extract comes from the inner bark of the wild cherry tree, Prunus serotina, a member of the rose family that grows across North America. The bark contains naturally occurring aromatic compounds such as benzaldehyde, along with flavonoids, phenolic acids, prunasin and small amounts of tannins and sugars. These constituents give the extract its soft almond-cherry scent and its soothing feel on skin.
Indigenous peoples used wild cherry bark in teas and topical poultices, and 19th-century apothecaries adopted it for syrups and perfumed soaps. As modern cosmetic science searched for gentle botanical fragrances and lightweight moisturisers the extract found new life in skin care labs. Today manufacturers harvest the bark sustainably, dry and mill it, then run it through water or glycerin-based extraction. The liquid is filtered and concentrated to create a stable solution that blends easily into creams, gels or sprays.
Because it offers both a mild scent and skin-softening properties formulators add Prunus Serotina Bark Extract to face and body moisturisers, calming serums, overnight masks, aftershave balms, hair conditioners and bath products where a subtle cherry-almond note is welcome.
Prunus Serotina Bark Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multitasking botanical contributes more than a pleasant aroma to personal care products
- Fragrance: Provides a delicate cherry-almond scent that can mask raw ingredient odors and create a pleasant user experience without relying on synthetic perfume oils
- Moisturising: The natural sugars and polyphenols help bind water to the skin surface so formulas feel more hydrating and leave skin supple
- Skin Conditioning: Flavonoids and mild tannins support a smoother feel and can help reduce transient dryness or tightness making the overall product feel gentler
Who Can Use Prunus Serotina Bark Extract
Most skin types can tolerate Prunus Serotina Bark Extract. It is light enough for oily or combination skin yet offers water-binding sugars that comfort normal and mildly dry skin. Those with very sensitive or fragrance-reactive skin should take note that the bark’s natural aromatic compounds may cause tingling or redness, so gentler unscented options could be preferable in those cases.
The extract is plant derived and can be sourced in vegetable glycerin, making it suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Brands that certify their supply chain as animal-free can confidently label products with this ingredient as vegan friendly.
Current research shows no specific concerns for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the extract is used topically in cosmetic amounts. Absorption is minimal, yet this is not medical advice: expectant or nursing mothers should run any skincare routine past a qualified health professional to be safe.
Prunus Serotina Bark Extract is not known to cause photosensitivity, and it plays well with common skincare actives such as niacinamide or hyaluronic acid.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Prunus Serotina Bark Extract can vary from person to person. The following outlines potential side effects, though they are uncommon when the ingredient is properly formulated and used as directed.
- Skin irritation – Mild stinging, warmth or redness can occur, especially on compromised or freshly exfoliated skin
- Allergic contact dermatitis – Rare allergy to cherry tree constituents may lead to itching, swelling or rash
- Fragrance sensitivity – The natural benzaldehyde note can trigger headache or discomfort in individuals sensitive to scents
- Eye irritation – If a product migrates into the eyes it may cause watering or burning
If any negative reaction appears stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Prunus Serotina Bark Extract is delivered in a lightweight water or glycerin medium and contains no heavy oils or waxes that would block pores. Its primary components are small aromatic molecules, sugars and polyphenols that sit on the skin surface then rinse or evaporate away easily, which is why formulators consider it essentially non pore clogging.
This low score means the extract is generally suitable for people prone to acne or breakouts.
Only the finished product’s full recipe can raise the overall comedogenicity, so pay attention to the other ingredients in the formula.
Summary
Prunus Serotina Bark Extract brings three key perks to cosmetics: it lends a soft cherry-almond fragrance, it helps skin hold water for a more hydrated feel and its flavonoids give a mild conditioning effect that leaves skin smoother. These benefits come from the bark’s natural sugars, aromatic benzaldehyde and plant polyphenols working together within a water-soluble base.
While not as mainstream as aloe or green tea extract it remains a quiet favorite in niche moisturisers, artisan soaps and calming serums that aim for a light botanical scent without synthetic perfume.
Current data and long-standing topical use show the extract to be low risk with minimal irritation potential. Still, skin can be unpredictable so it is wise to patch test any new product that lists Prunus Serotina Bark Extract high in the ingredient deck before full-face use.