BOTANICAL EXTRACT
Rowan Fruit Extract
A Nordic berry naturally high in vitamin C and phenolic antioxidants, valued for supporting skin's own defence against everyday oxidative stress.
Source
Rowan berries
Used for
Skin conditioning
How it works
Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) berries carry an unusually high vitamin C content alongside organic acids, carotenoids, and phenolic compounds. Laboratory analysis of rowanberry extracts has confirmed meaningful antioxidant activity from these phenolic constituents.
The berry's natural sorbitol content also functions as a humectant, drawing and holding moisture at the skin's surface, complementing its antioxidant role.
Rowan fruit extract suits morning or evening use, and its combined antioxidant and humectant profile means it pairs naturally with both vitamin C serums and richer moisturisers depending on when it's applied.
The berry's natural sorbitol content also functions as a humectant, drawing and holding moisture at the skin's surface, complementing its antioxidant role.
Rowan fruit extract suits morning or evening use, and its combined antioxidant and humectant profile means it pairs naturally with both vitamin C serums and richer moisturisers depending on when it's applied.
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01
High natural vitamin C and phenolic antioxidant content
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02
Confirmed antioxidant activity in laboratory analysis
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03
Natural sorbitol content supports skin hydration
Questions
What is rowan fruit extract?
It is an extract of the berries of the rowan tree, Sorbus aucuparia, also known as mountain ash. The EU's official cosmetic ingredient database describes it as an extract of the berries of the mountain ash and lists it with a skin-conditioning function. It is a different material from rowan seed oil, which has its own listing as an emollient pressed from the seeds. (European Commission CosIng)
What is in rowan berries?
Rowanberries are a rich source of vitamin C, and one review notes reports of them containing around three times as much as oranges. They also carry organic acids (mainly malic acid), carotenoids such as beta-carotene, polyphenols and the sugar alcohol sorbitol. Levels vary considerably between wild trees and cultivated varieties, and with growing conditions. (Arvinte et al., 2023)
What does research on rowan show?
Laboratory work has measured the antioxidant activity of rowanberry extracts and found high levels of phenolic compounds, especially in some cultivated hybrids, and reviewers see promise for cosmetics. In skincare, rowan fruit extract is used to keep skin feeling conditioned. (Sarv et al., 2021; Arvinte et al., 2023; European Commission CosIng)
About the plant
Rowan is a small, deciduous tree of the rose family (Rosaceae), native to Europe and Asia. It comes from the colder regions of the Northern Hemisphere and is often found at high altitudes, growing as a slim tree of up to 15 to 20 metres in good conditions or as a shrub on poor soils. (Missouri Botanical Garden; Arvinte et al., 2023)
In May it bears flat clusters of small white flowers, which give way to hanging clusters of orange-red berries, usually 8 to 10 millimetres across. The berries often stay on the tree through winter, providing food for birds, and they are the part used for the cosmetic extract. (Missouri Botanical Garden; Arvinte et al., 2023; European Commission CosIng)
In May it bears flat clusters of small white flowers, which give way to hanging clusters of orange-red berries, usually 8 to 10 millimetres across. The berries often stay on the tree through winter, providing food for birds, and they are the part used for the cosmetic extract. (Missouri Botanical Garden; Arvinte et al., 2023; European Commission CosIng)
The research
- Sarv V., Venskutonis P.R., Rätsep R., Aluvee A., Kazernavičiūtė R. and Bhat R., "Antioxidants Characterization of the Fruit, Juice, and Pomace of Sweet Rowanberry (Sorbus aucuparia L.) Cultivated in Estonia," Antioxidants, 2021 (opens in a new tab)
- European Commission CosIng database: Sorbus Aucuparia Fruit Extract (function: skin conditioning) (opens in a new tab)
- European Commission CosIng database: Sorbus Aucuparia Seed Oil (functions include skin conditioning - emollient) (opens in a new tab)
- Arvinte OM, Senila L, Becze A, Amariei S. Rowanberry: a source of bioactive compounds and their biopharmaceutical properties. Plants (Basel), 2023;12(18):3225 (opens in a new tab)
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder: Sorbus aucuparia (opens in a new tab)
