Tilia Cordata Wood 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 Tilia Cordata Wood Extract?

Tilia Cordata Wood Extract comes from the pale inner wood, or sapwood, of the small-leaved linden tree. These tall leafy trees are common across Europe and have long been valued in folk care for their calming flower infusions. Over time skin-care makers noticed that the wood itself contains natural sugars, polyphenols and trace minerals that can help comfort skin, so the sapwood moved from herbal teas into cosmetic labs.

To create the extract, freshly cut sapwood is cleaned, finely ground and soaked in a blend of water and gentle food-grade solvents. The liquid is then filtered and concentrated until a clear to light-amber fluid remains. Strict quality checks ensure the final extract is free of harsh residues and safe for daily skin contact.

Because of its mild nature the ingredient shows up in a variety of products: hydrating sheet masks, calming face mists, after-sun lotions, sensitive-skin moisturizers, scalp soothing tonics and even refreshing eye gels. Brands like it because it pairs well with many actives without raising the risk of irritation.

Tilia Cordata Wood Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This botanical brings two main perks to skin-care formulas

  • Refreshing – Helps give products a light cool feel that can wake up tired skin, making a formula ideal for morning routines or post-workout cleanups
  • Soothing – Calms visible redness and tightness which is useful in products meant for sensitive or freshly exfoliated skin

Who Can Use Tilia Cordata Wood Extract

The gentle make-up of linden sapwood suits most skin types. Dry or sensitive complexions often benefit the most thanks to the extract’s calming sugars and polyphenols, while normal and combination skin enjoy the lightweight refreshing feel. Oily or breakout-prone users can also reach for it because the extract is water based and non-pore clogging

The ingredient is entirely plant derived and processed without animal by-products so it fits both vegan and vegetarian routines

No data links topical Tilia Cordata Wood Extract to hormonal disruption and the ingredient is not known to penetrate deeply, so it is generally viewed as safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women. This is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should clear new skincare with a doctor first

The extract does not heighten sun sensitivity and can be worn morning or night without raising the risk of UV irritation

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Responses to topical Tilia Cordata Wood Extract differ from person to person. The effects listed below are possibilities not probabilities; most users experience none of them when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly

  • Allergic contact dermatitis  People with a known allergy to linden tree pollen or wood may notice redness or itching
  • Mild stinging on compromised skin  If the barrier is freshly shaved, exfoliated or sunburned the extract can cause a fleeting tingle
  • Eye irritation  Direct contact with the eyes may lead to watering or a burning sensation until rinsed away
  • Interaction with potent actives  Layering high levels of acids or retinoids immediately before or after the extract might increase overall skin sensitivity

If any of these reactions occur stop use and consult a qualified health professional

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0 / 5. Tilia Cordata Wood Extract is water based, contains no heavy oils or waxes and has a very small molecular size so it does not sit in pores or trap sebum. Current literature and supplier data report no clogging potential which is why it earns the lowest score.

That makes the extract perfectly fine for people who are prone to acne or frequent breakouts.

No special storage or formulation caveats influence its pore clogging profile, though purity can vary by supplier so reputable brands are your safest bet.

Summary

Tilia Cordata Wood Extract brings a one-two punch of refreshing and soothing action. Its natural sugars draw in water, light minerals perk up dull skin and gentle polyphenols calm redness so products feel cool and comforting as soon as they touch the face.

While not as famous as aloe or chamomile the ingredient is quietly gaining ground in sensitive skin mists, after-sun lotions and scalp serums because formulators appreciate its low risk nature.

Overall safety is high with no evidence of hormonal disruption or photosensitivity and only rare allergy reports. As with any new skincare though, apply a small test patch first to be sure your skin agrees.

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