Elderflower

Sambucus Nigra Flower Extract comes from the white blossoms of the black elderberry shrub. In skincare, it is used as a botanical ingredient with antioxidant, soothing and naturally astringent properties (1).

Elderflower extract is rich in bioflavonoids, vitamins and phenolic acids. These plant compounds help defend the skin against environmental stress, calm visible irritation and support a brighter, more refined complexion (2).

Key benefits:

Helps protect against free radical damage

Calms redness and irritation

Supports firmer-looking skin

Helps preserve the skin’s natural moisture barrier

Refines the look of pores and skin texture

Balances excess sebum

Helps brighten uneven tone and dark spots

Sambucus Nigra Flower Extract is commonly found in facial toners, revitalising serums, eye creams and soothing gel masks. It is often paired with hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or antioxidants such as Vitamin E (3).

It contains polyphenols and quercetin, which help neutralise free radicals linked to pollution and UV exposure. It also helps calm inflammatory pathways in the skin, which means it may reduce visible redness and discomfort. 

Meanwhile, the astringent action it is known for helps to tighten the feel of the skin and refine texture, and its antioxidant compounds support collagen and elastin by helping to limit the enzymes that break them down. Elderflower extract also helps protect the natural levels of hyaluronic acid found within the skin, and this assists in supporting moisture retention and more supple skin (4, 5).

Sambucus Nigra Flower Extract (elderflower) is a popular botanical skincare ingredient that is thought to be particularly beneficial for sensitive skin or oily or mature skin that needs calming and refining with antioxidant care. It does so because it naturally contains high levels of antioxidants, bioflavonoids, and triterpenes, which are scientifically shown to help reduce inflammation, calm irritated skin, and soothe redness.