Sorbus Alnifolia Leaf/Stem 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
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 Sorbus Alnifolia Leaf/Stem Extract?

Sorbus Alnifolia Leaf/Stem Extract comes from the leaves and stems of the Korean mountain ash, a tree in the rose family that grows in East Asia. The plant parts are rich in natural sugars, organic acids, flavonoids and tannins, a mix that gives the extract its soothing and conditioning touch.

Local communities have long boiled the leaves for calming skin washes, which caught the attention of modern formulators looking for gentle plant based actives. Today producers harvest the foliage, dry it, grind it then soak it in a food grade solvent such as water or ethanol. The liquid is filtered and concentrated, leaving a clear to pale brown extract that blends well with water based creams, gels and serums.

You will most often spot Sorbus Alnifolia Leaf/Stem Extract in everyday moisturizers, lightweight lotions, soothing sheet masks, after sun products and anti aging serums that aim to leave skin soft and comfortable.

Sorbus Alnifolia Leaf/Stem Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This ingredient serves one key role in cosmetics: skin conditioning. By helping to bind moisture to the surface of the skin and smoothing rough spots it supports a supple fresh look and an improved feel in the final formula.

Who Can Use Sorbus Alnifolia Leaf/Stem Extract

Sorbus Alnifolia Leaf/Stem Extract is light and water based so it suits virtually all skin types including dry, oily, combination and sensitive. Its gentle nature and lack of heavy oils mean it rarely clogs pores, making it a friendly choice for acne prone skin as well.

The extract is entirely plant derived with no animal by products or animal testing typically involved in its sourcing, so it aligns with vegan and vegetarian values.

There is no specific research showing risk for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when using this ingredient topically. Still, safety data during pregnancy is limited, so this information is not medical advice and expectant or nursing mothers should run any skincare routine past their physician to stay on the safe side.

Sorbus Alnifolia Leaf/Stem Extract is not known to cause photosensitivity, meaning it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. Normal daytime sun protection practices remain recommended for overall skin health.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Reactions to topical Sorbus Alnifolia Leaf/Stem Extract differ from person to person. The points below list potential side effects that are possible yet uncommon when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.

  • Mild redness or irritation
  • Stinging sensation on broken or compromised skin
  • Allergic contact dermatitis for those sensitive to plant based tannins or flavonoids
  • Excess dryness if layered with many astringent ingredients

If you experience any of these reactions discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist for guidance.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0 / 5

Sorbus Alnifolia Leaf/Stem Extract is almost entirely water soluble and contains minimal oils or waxes, so it does not block pores. Its key components are lightweight sugars, acids and polyphenols that sit on the skin without forming a heavy film. Because of this the extract is considered non-comedogenic and is generally a safe pick for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.

Keep in mind that the finished product formula matters. If the extract is paired with rich butters or occlusive silicones the overall pore-clogging risk can rise, but the extract itself stays at a zero.

Summary

Sorbus Alnifolia Leaf/Stem Extract acts mainly as a skin-conditioning ingredient. The natural sugars pull in water for a quick hit of surface hydration while tannins and flavonoids help smooth texture and calm minor redness. The result is skin that feels soft looks fresh and stays comfortable in a wide range of products.

The extract is a quiet performer rather than a headline act. You will see it most often in Korean or botanically focused formulas yet it has not reached star status in global beauty lines. Even so its gentle character and versatility make it a useful supporting player.

Safety data points to low irritation potential when the extract is used at typical cosmetic levels. Serious reactions are rare yet everyone’s skin is different, so it is always smart to patch test a new product and speak with a professional if any concern arises.

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