Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract
Japanese honeysuckle flower extract with phenolic acids and flavonoids. Soothing and antimicrobial data come only from the laboratory, with no studies on human skin. A positive patch test to the extract has been reported
Evidence by route
Topical application
Data on soothing effects come only from cells: the extract reduced histamine production in keratinocytes, and flower polyphenols lowered inflammatory cytokines after UVB. Clinical trials concern a decoction drunk for drug-induced rash and do not apply to the cosmetic extract. The preservative effect was tested only in vitro, and there are no data on a refreshing effect
- C
Preservative effect
In vitro only: a 50% ethanol extract inhibited 2 of 6 microbes and an ethyl acetate fraction all 6 (Lee 2018). It has not been tested as a preservative in finished products
- C
Soothing
Cell data only: the extract reduced histamine production in irritated keratinocytes (Inami 2014), and flower polyphenols lowered TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β after UVB (Zheng 2024)
- D
Refreshes skin
No study has assessed a refreshing effect of the extract
- Inami Y et al. Inhibitory activity of the flower buds of Lonicera japonica Thunb. against histamine production and L-histidine decarboxylase in human keratinocytes. Molecules. 2014;19(6):8212-9. PMID 24941343
- Zheng SL et al. Chemical Characterization of Honeysuckle Polyphenols and Their Alleviating Function on Ultraviolet B-Damaged HaCaT Cells by Modulating the Nrf2/NF-κB Signaling Pathways. Antioxidants (Basel). 2024;13(3). PMID 38539828
- Lee YS et al. Synergistic Antimicrobial Effect of Lonicera japonica and Magnolia obovata Extracts and Potential as a Plant-Derived Natural Preservative. J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2018;28(11):1814-1822. PMID 30270607
- Gallo R et al. Positive patch test reaction to Lonicera japonica extract in a patient sensitized to formaldehyde. Contact Dermatitis. 2012;66(1):47-9. PMID 22150903
How to read tiers A–F
- CWeak evidence. In vitro data, open-label studies, or expert consensus
- DNo data, or very weak or conflicting data
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Moderate
- Pregnancy
- Unknown
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Japanese honeysuckle flower extract comes from the flowers or flower buds of Lonicera japonica, a plant of traditional Chinese medicine (Inami 2014). It contains phenolic acids and flavonoids such as caffeic acid and luteolin (Lee 2018). Soothing effects have been studied only in cell cultures. In a three-dimensional culture of keratinocytes irritated with sodium laurate, the flower bud extract reduced histamine production more than chlorogenic acid alone (Inami 2014). The authors work for cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies. Polyphenols from honeysuckle flowers lowered TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β in keratinocytes after UVB (Zheng 2024). The extract is sometimes described as a natural preservative. In vitro, a 50% ethanol extract inhibited only 2 of 6 microbes, while an ethyl acetate fraction inhibited all 6 (Lee 2018). Its preservative role in finished products has not been tested. Clinical trials exist only for honeysuckle decoctions in rash caused by EGFR inhibitors in cancer patients, where the decoction was drunk and applied as compresses. These results do not apply to a cosmetic extract. No published study has tested the extract on human skin, including for a refreshing effect. A positive patch test to Lonicera japonica extract has been reported in a patient sensitized to formaldehyde (Gallo 2012). There are no data on use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract safe during pregnancy?
Safety data for Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract during pregnancy is insufficient. Best avoided when in doubt.
What skin types is Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract for?
Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract and what does it do in cosmetics?
Japanese honeysuckle flower extract with phenolic acids and flavonoids.
What's the INCI name for Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract?
The INCI name is Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract. It may also appear as: Honeysuckle Flower Extract.
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