Viburnum Lantana Bud 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 Viburnum Lantana Bud Extract?

Viburnum Lantana Bud Extract comes from the young buds of the wayfaring tree, Viburnum lantana, a shrub native to Europe and western Asia. The buds are rich in plant sugars, flavonoids and gentle organic acids that help the plant defend itself against stress. Traditional folk care valued the shrub for soothing infusions, and modern formulators noticed that the same calming and softening traits could benefit skin. To create the cosmetic grade extract growers harvest the fresh spring buds, then steep them in a water-glycerin or light alcohol solution. This pulls the active molecules into the liquid which is later filtered and standardized for consistency. The finished extract is a clear to pale amber fluid that blends easily with water-based systems, making it a flexible ingredient for serums, daily moisturizers, calming masks, anti-aging creams, eye treatments and after-sun lotions.

Viburnum Lantana Bud Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

Its official role is skin conditioning. In practice that means the extract helps skin feel softer, smoother and better hydrated. The natural sugars draw in moisture, the flavonoids offer mild antioxidant support and the soothing compounds reduce the look of temporary redness. When added to a formula these traits work together to improve overall skin comfort and leave the surface looking healthier and more even.

Who Can Use Viburnum Lantana Bud Extract

The extract is mild enough for most skin types including normal, dry, combination and sensitive skin because it is primarily water-glycerin based and free of heavy oils. Oily skin can also benefit since the ingredient has a light texture and will not clog pores.

Viburnum Lantana Bud Extract is 100 percent plant derived so it is considered suitable for both vegans and vegetarians provided the finished product does not include animal-derived additives such as beeswax or collagen.

There are no specific warnings for pregnant or breastfeeding women, but research on the ingredient during pregnancy is limited. This information is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should review any skin care product with a qualified healthcare professional.

The extract does not increase photosensitivity and can be used in day or night formulations. It is also compatible with common actives like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and gentle plant oils.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Responses to topical Viburnum Lantana Bud Extract can differ from person to person. The points below highlight potential but uncommon reactions. When a product is manufactured and used as directed most people will not notice any negative effect.

  • Mild redness or warmth
  • Temporary itching or tingling in very sensitive skin
  • Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals allergic to Viburnum species or related plants
  • Eye irritation if the product accidentally enters the eye

If any discomfort or visible reaction occurs stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0 / 5 – Viburnum Lantana Bud Extract is supplied as a water-glycerin solution with no heavy oils or waxes so it does not block pores. Plant sugars and light polyphenols are easily rinsed away and do not leave an occlusive film.

This makes the extract suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.

Formulators typically use it at low percentages, further lowering any risk of pore congestion. As with any ingredient its comedogenicity can change if combined with richer butters or oils in a finished product.

Summary

Viburnum Lantana Bud Extract is a skin-conditioning agent that softens, hydrates and calms with the help of natural sugars, flavonoids and gentle acids. These compounds pull water to the surface, supply mild antioxidant support and ease the look of redness, leaving skin feeling comfortable and looking more even.

It is a niche botanical so you will not find it on every store shelf, yet formulators who focus on soothing or eco-inspired products appreciate its mild profile and versatility.

Overall safety is high with only rare reports of irritation or allergy. Still it is smart to patch test any new product containing the extract to be sure your skin agrees with it.

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