What it is
This ingredient is an extract of the flowers of Osmanthus fragrans, a fragrant blossom prized for its sweet, apricot-like aroma. In cosmetics it is used both for its scent and as a skin-conditioning agent, frequently in products that lean on a floral sensory story. It is typically added at low levels within leave-on formulas.
Safety & warnings
Because it is an aromatic flower extract, osmanthus extract contributes to a product's fragrance and may contain naturally occurring fragrance constituents that can cause sensitivity in fragrance-reactive individuals. It is water-based rather than oily and is not regarded as comedogenic. A patch test is advisable for those prone to fragrance reactions.
Origin & sourcing
Natural; obtained by extraction of the flowers of the Osmanthus fragrans plant, an ornamental shrub also called sweet olive.
Questions everyone asks
Why is osmanthus extract used?
It is included for its sweet floral scent and skin-conditioning character, supporting a botanical, fragranced product story.
Could osmanthus extract bother sensitive skin?
It may in fragrance-sensitive individuals, since aromatic flower extracts can contain naturally occurring fragrance components.