Telosma Cordata 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 Telosma Cordata Flower Extract?

Telosma Cordata Flower Extract comes from the yellowish star-shaped blossoms of Telosma cordata, a climbing plant in the Apocynaceae family that thrives in tropical and subtropical Asia. The flowers are naturally rich in sugars, amino acids, flavonoids and lightweight aromatic oils that give the plant its sweet, jasmine-like scent. Long prized as a food garnish and a natural fragrance in Southeast Asian markets, the bloom caught the attention of cosmetic formulators for its ability to attract and hold water on the skin.

To create the cosmetic ingredient, fresh or gently dried flowers are soaked in a skin-friendly solvent or pressed in water and glycerin. The resulting liquid is filtered, concentrated then standardized to ensure consistent performance from batch to batch. This gentle process helps keep the moisture-binding components intact while removing most color and scent so the extract blends well with other ingredients.

You will most often find Telosma Cordata Flower Extract in leave-on products where steady hydration pays off, such as facial serums, sheet masks, gel moisturizers, body lotions, hand creams and hair conditioners. It also appears in soothing after-sun formulas and lightweight anti-aging emulsions that aim to plump the skin without heaviness.

Telosma Cordata Flower Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

Its value in beauty formulas centers on one key role.

As a humectant, Telosma Cordata Flower Extract draws water from the environment and deeper skin layers to the surface. This continuous moisture delivery helps keep skin feeling soft, smooth and supple, minimizes the look of fine lines, supports a healthy barrier and improves the spreadability of creams or gels so they glide on with less tugging.

Who Can Use Telosma Cordata Flower Extract

Because it works as a lightweight humectant, Telosma Cordata Flower Extract suits almost every skin type. Dry and mature skin benefit from its water-binding ability while normal and combination skin enjoy extra softness without added heaviness. Even oily or acne-prone complexions can use it since the extract itself is non-oily and non-pore-clogging. Very reactive or ultra-sensitive skin should proceed with a little more caution because any botanical material can contain trace compounds that might trigger irritation in a small percentage of users.

The ingredient is plant derived and typically processed in water, glycerin or other vegan-friendly carriers so it aligns with vegan and vegetarian lifestyles. Always confirm the full formula is free of animal by-products if that is a personal priority.

No research indicates that Telosma Cordata Flower Extract poses a specific risk to women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when used topically in cosmetic amounts. This is not medical advice; anyone who is expecting or nursing should review new skincare products with a qualified healthcare professional just to be safe.

The extract does not increase photosensitivity and can be used in both daytime and nighttime routines without heightened sun-burn risk. It is also fragrance-neutral after processing so it will not clash with scented products applied on top.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Responses to topical Telosma Cordata Flower Extract differ from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects yet most consumers will not experience them when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.

Mild redness or transient stinging in very sensitive skin

Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals already allergic to plants in the Apocynaceae family

Eye irritation if a leave-on product migrates into the eyes

Breakouts if the overall formula contains heavy occlusives that trap oil and debris rather than from the extract itself

If any discomfort or rash appears stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0 / 5

Telosma Cordata Flower Extract is processed primarily in water or glycerin with negligible oil, wax or fatty acid content, so it does not leave residue that can obstruct pores. Its role as a humectant means it sits on the skin surface attracting water rather than forming an occlusive film. Because of this clean, water-like profile it earns a solid zero on the comedogenic scale.

Suitable for acne-prone and breakout-prone skin.

If the finished product pairs the extract with heavier butters or silicones those other ingredients, not the extract, would influence clogging potential.

Summary

Telosma Cordata Flower Extract is a plant-derived humectant that pulls moisture to the skin, keeps it feeling plump and enhances the spread of creams and gels. It achieves these benefits thanks to naturally occurring sugars and amino acids that bond with water molecules.

The extract remains a niche player compared with big-name hydrators like hyaluronic acid yet formulators appreciate its gentle botanical origin and neutral scent, so it shows up in an increasing range of modern serums, masks and light lotions.

Topically it is considered very safe, with only rare reports of irritation or allergy. As with any new cosmetic ingredient it is smart to perform a quick patch test to confirm personal compatibility before full-face use.

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