Rubus Hirsutus Fruit/Leaf 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: June 30, 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 Rubus Hirsutus Fruit/Leaf Extract?

Rubus Hirsutus Fruit/Leaf Extract comes from the fruit and leaves of Rubus hirsutus, a bramble species that grows in East Asia and belongs to the rose family. The plant is rich in natural sugars, fatty acids, and small amounts of vitamins and polyphenols that help it retain moisture in its native humid forests. Traditional skin soothing poultices made from crushed leaves gave formulators the idea to explore its benefits for modern skincare. To create the cosmetic grade extract, freshly harvested fruit and leaves are washed, milled, then soaked in a gentle water-glycerin solution. The mixture is filtered, concentrated, and finally standardized so every batch offers consistent skin conditioning properties. You will most often see this ingredient in hydrating sheet masks, daily moisturizers, soothing lotions, light anti-aging serums and leave-on treatments that focus on restoring skin softness.

Rubus Hirsutus Fruit/Leaf Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This plant extract brings a single yet valuable function to skincare formulas.

As an emollient it helps smooth rough skin, fills in tiny surface gaps, and leaves a soft conditioned feel. By reinforcing the skin’s natural lipid layer it reduces moisture loss, which can improve comfort for dry or sensitized complexions and give the overall formula a richer more luxurious texture.

Who Can Use Rubus Hirsutus Fruit/Leaf Extract

This emollient suits most skin types. Dry and normal skin will enjoy the added softness and moisture retention while sensitive skin generally tolerates it thanks to its gentle nature. Combination and oily skin can also use it as the extract itself is light and non greasy but if the overall formula is very rich it may feel heavy on extremely oily complexions.

Because it is 100 percent plant derived, products featuring Rubus Hirsutus Fruit/Leaf Extract are usually appropriate for vegans and vegetarians provided the rest of the ingredient list is free of animal sourced additives.

No specific data links this extract to problems during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Still this is not medical advice and women who are pregnant or nursing should run any skincare products they use past a doctor to be on the safe side.

The extract is not known to trigger photosensitivity so daytime use is fine without extra sun related precautions beyond daily sunscreen basics.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Side effects and reactions to topical Rubus Hirsutus Fruit/Leaf Extract can vary from person to person. The points below list potential issues yet they are unlikely to be the typical user experience when the ingredient is properly formulated.

  • Mild redness or stinging if skin is already compromised
  • Itching or small bumps in those allergic to plants in the rose family
  • Contact dermatitis in rare cases of individual sensitivity
  • Clogged pores if used in a very heavy formulation on acne-prone skin

If you notice any of these reactions stop using the product and speak with a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1 / 5

Rubus Hirsutus Fruit/Leaf Extract is mostly water soluble with a small portion of lightweight fatty compounds so it rarely lingers in pores or forms a heavy film. Because of that it earns a very low score of 1. In most formulations it should be fine for acne-prone or congested skin, though a thick cream that contains the extract alongside richer oils could still feel heavy. The rating reflects the ingredient itself, not the whole product, so always look at the full label if breakouts are a concern.

Summary

Rubus Hirsutus Fruit/Leaf Extract is a plant based emollient that smooths the skin surface, fills micro-gaps and helps reduce water loss by supporting the natural lipid layer. Those actions translate into softer more comfortable skin especially for dry or mildly sensitive types.

It is a niche botanical found in a handful of Korean and Japanese masks, light lotions and soothing serums rather than mass market lines, but its gentle nature is winning it a small following among hydration enthusiasts.

Current data and user reports point to a very safe profile with only rare irritation in people sensitive to the rose family. As with any new skincare ingredient it is smart to try a patch test first to rule out individual reactions.

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