Elderberry

Ingredient name

Elderberry

Type of ingredient

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hemostatic

Commonly found in

Serum, toner, cream

What are the benefits of elderberry?

Elderberry has been shown to have an antioxidant effect due to its free radical scavenging properties. Its flavanone (naringenin) parts have been reported to have anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects.

Elderberry has been shown in studies to have good skin penetration. Believed to be a coenzyme in metabolic pathways, it has been shown to protect the skin from oxidative damage, ultimately reducing photodamage in the skin and decreasing skin roughness.

What is elderberry?

Elderberry is the other name given to the Sambucus nigra plant, the extract of which has been used in multiple cosmetic products and food products.

Is elderberry safe for all skin types and tones?

Elderberry is likely safe for all skin types and tones based on available data. However, patients with hypersensitivity to elderberry or its derivatives should be cautious when using products that contain it.

Contraindications

There is minimal data on contraindications for the topical application of products with elderberry. Some patients may have contact dermatitis or other allergies to elderberry, for which caution should be used.

Sources

Ferreira-Santos P, Badim H, Salvador ÂC, et al. Chemical Characterization of Sambucus nigra L. Flowers Aqueous Extract and Its Biological Implications. Biomolecules. 2021;11(8):1222. Published 2021 Aug 17.

Förster-Waldl E, Marchetti M, Schöll I, et al. Type I allergy to elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is elicited by a 33.2 kDa allergen with significant homology to ribosomal inactivating proteins. Clin Exp Allergy. 2003;33(12):1703-1710. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2222.2003.01811.x

Tundis R, Ursino C, Bonesi M, et al. Flower and Leaf Extracts of Sambucus nigra L.: Application of Membrane Processes to Obtain Fractions with Antioxidant and Antityrosinase Properties. Membranes (Basel). 2019;9(10):127. Published 2019 Sep 24.

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