Syringa Vulgaris Flower 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 Syringa Vulgaris Flower Extract?

Syringa Vulgaris Flower Extract comes from the blooms of the common lilac bush, a garden favorite known for its sweet scent and purple or white clusters of flowers. The extract contains natural compounds such as flavonoids, phenylethanoids like syringin, small amounts of essential oil and skin friendly sugars. These molecules give the plant its light fragrance and soothing feel.

Lilac flowers have been valued in folk beauty rituals for centuries, especially in Europe where the plant grows in abundance. Perfumers first captured the scent for fine fragrances, and over time skin care makers noticed its gentle calming effect on the skin. Today the blooms are steeped in a water and glycerin solution or processed with food grade solvents to pull out the active parts. The liquid is then filtered and concentrated before it is added to cosmetic formulas.

Because of its mild nature Syringa Vulgaris Flower Extract shows up in many leave-on and rinse-off products. You might see it in hydrating toners, soothing face masks, lightweight moisturizers, anti aging serums, after-sun gels, scalp lotions and even refreshing body mists.

Syringa Vulgaris Flower Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

In skin care this ingredient is prized for one key role.

Skin conditioning: Syringa Vulgaris Flower Extract helps keep the skin surface smooth, soft and comfortable. Its natural sugars draw water to the skin for light hydration while its antioxidant flavonoids help guard against everyday environmental stress. The extract also has a mild calming effect, which can ease the look of temporary redness and leave the complexion looking fresh and balanced.

Who Can Use Syringa Vulgaris Flower Extract

This flower extract is generally suitable for all skin types from oily to dry. Its lightweight hydrating sugars rarely clog pores, making it a friendly option even for combination or breakout-prone skin. Sensitive complexions often tolerate it well because it lacks harsh acids or strong fragrances, but anyone with a known allergy to lilac or other members of the Oleaceae family should avoid it.

The ingredient is plant derived and processed without animal by-products, so it fits both vegan and vegetarian lifestyles.

No specific warnings link Syringa Vulgaris Flower Extract to pregnancy or breastfeeding concerns. That said, this text is not medical advice and expectant or nursing mothers should ask their healthcare professional before adding any new cosmetic ingredient to their routine.

The extract is not known to cause photosensitivity, so normal daytime use does not require extra sun precautions beyond a regular broad-spectrum sunscreen.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Responses to topical Syringa Vulgaris Flower Extract differ from person to person. The reactions listed below are uncommon and most users will not experience them when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.

  • Mild skin irritation such as stinging or burning, especially on compromised skin
  • Redness or flushing in individuals sensitive to botanical extracts
  • Itchiness or small bumps linked to a true lilac allergy
  • Contact dermatitis in rare cases where the user is allergic to related plant family members like olive or jasmine

If any of these reactions occur discontinue use and seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1 out of 5

Syringa Vulgaris Flower Extract is mostly water soluble and contains only trace amounts of oily compounds, so it sits very low on the pore-clogging scale. Its lightweight sugars and antioxidants absorb easily and do not leave a greasy film, which helps keep pores clear. A rating of 1 reflects a slim but not zero chance of clogging when the extract is used in a very rich or occlusive formula.

Because of this low rating, the ingredient is generally suitable for people who are prone to acne or frequent breakouts.

Keep in mind that overall comedogenic risk also depends on the other ingredients in a product, the concentration used and personal skin chemistry.

Summary

Syringa Vulgaris Flower Extract works primarily as a skin-conditioning agent. Its natural sugars pull in water for light hydration, while flavonoids supply antioxidant support and a calming touch that can help the skin look smoother and feel more comfortable.

The extract is not the most talked-about botanical on the market, yet it has a steady following in gentle toners, soothing gels and niche clean beauty lines that value its pleasant scent and mild profile.

Safety data show the ingredient is well tolerated for most users with only rare reports of irritation or allergy, making it a low-risk addition to daily skin care. As with any new cosmetic ingredient it is smart to perform a small patch test before full use to rule out personal sensitivity.

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