Sterculia Platanifolia Branch/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 Sterculia Platanifolia Branch/Leaf Extract?

Sterculia Platanifolia Branch/Leaf Extract comes from the branches and leaves of the Sterculia platanifolia tree, a member of the mallow family that grows across parts of Asia. The plant material is rich in natural sugars known as polysaccharides along with smaller amounts of flavonoids and tannins. These compounds help the extract hold water and leave skin feeling smooth.

Local communities have long used preparations made from this tree to calm dry or irritated skin. As interest in plant based beauty ingredients grew during the late twentieth century, formulators began testing the extract in creams and lotions. Its ability to boost the skin’s own moisture barrier soon made it a regular in modern cosmetic lines.

To make the cosmetic grade ingredient, harvesters collect healthy branches and leaves, dry them then grind them into a coarse powder. The powder is steeped in water or a gentle plant derived solvent to pull out the water binding molecules. After filtration the liquid is concentrated, sterilised and standardised so each batch offers the same level of skin benefits.

Today you will most often find Sterculia Platanifolia Branch/Leaf Extract in hydrating facial masks, daily moisturisers, soothing after sun gels, anti aging serums and leave on body lotions where a light yet lasting skin comfort is desired.

Sterculia Platanifolia Branch/Leaf Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This plant extract appears on ingredient lists mainly for one clear reason.

As a skin conditioning agent it helps soften and smooth the surface of the skin by attracting and holding moisture. When blended into a formula the extract supports the skin’s natural barrier, reduces the feeling of tightness and gives products a silky glide, resulting in a fresh well hydrated look and feel.

Who Can Use Sterculia Platanifolia Branch/Leaf Extract

This gentle plant extract is generally well suited to all skin types. Dry and mature skin tend to benefit most from its water binding abilities though normal, combination and oily skin can also use it without feeling weighed down. People with very sensitive or reactive skin usually tolerate it well because it has no strong fragrance or acids, however anyone with a known allergy to plants in the mallow family should proceed carefully.

Because the ingredient is completely plant sourced, products containing Sterculia Platanifolia Branch/Leaf Extract are considered appropriate for both vegans and vegetarians. No animal derived substances are used during harvesting or processing.

There is no evidence that the extract poses a risk to pregnant or breastfeeding women when applied topically. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should show the full ingredient list of any new skincare product to a qualified doctor before use.

The extract does not cause photosensitivity so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It also behaves well alongside common actives like vitamin C, niacinamide and mild exfoliating acids.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Reactions to topical Sterculia Platanifolia Branch/Leaf Extract vary from person to person. The effects listed below are possible yet uncommon when the ingredient is used at normal cosmetic levels and produced under good manufacturing practices.

  • Redness or mild irritation in very sensitive skin
  • Itching or tingling if applied to broken or abraded skin
  • Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals allergic to Malvaceae plants
  • Eye stinging if the product is accidentally rubbed into the eyes

If any of these reactions develop stop using the product immediately and seek advice from a healthcare professional.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1/5. Sterculia Platanifolia Branch/Leaf Extract is made up mostly of water-soluble polysaccharides that sit lightly on the skin and rinse away easily, so it has little tendency to block pores. It lacks heavy oils or waxes that typically raise a comedogenic score.

Because of this low rating the ingredient is generally considered suitable for people who are prone to acne or frequent breakouts. As with any humectant, the overall formula can change the pore-clogging potential, so the finished product matters more than the single component.

Summary

Sterculia Platanifolia Branch/Leaf Extract is valued for its skin-conditioning power. By drawing water to the surface and reinforcing the natural moisture barrier it leaves skin soft, smooth and comfortable without a greasy feel. Its gentle nature means it shows up in hydrating creams, after-sun gels and soothing masks, though it is still a relatively niche ingredient compared with classics like aloe or hyaluronic acid.

Current research and practical use point to a high level of safety with only rare reports of irritation or allergy. Even so every new skincare product can interact differently with each person’s skin so it is wise to perform a small patch test before full use.

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