Honeysuckle

What Is Honeysuckle in Skincare?

Honeysuckle in skincare is an extract of the flowers of Lonicera japonica (Japanese honeysuckle) or Lonicera caprifolium (Italian honeysuckle). It is used for two jobs: as an antioxidant botanical rich in phenolic acids and flavonoids that gives creams and toners a calm, comfortable feel, and as part of natural preservative systems, where specially prepared honeysuckle extracts help limit microbial growth. It has a long history in traditional Chinese herbal practice, where the flower is called jin yin hua.

EWG Skin Deep rating for honeysuckle

Quick Facts

How Honeysuckle Works on the Skin

Antioxidant botanical

Honeysuckle flowers are rich in plant phenolics. In a 2025 lab study, Yaowiwat and colleagues extracted Lonicera japonica flowers with supercritical CO2 and identified five phenolic acids, eight flavonoids, two iridoids, and four saponins. The extract measured 155 mg gallic acid equivalents per gram of total phenolics and showed free-radical scavenging activity in DPPH and FRAP tests. The team then loaded it into a nanoemulsion with a droplet size of about 90 nm. Computer docking suggested some compounds may bind enzymes linked to skin aging, but that is a prediction, not a measured effect, and there was no human testing.

Part of a natural preservative system

Honeysuckle is best known among formulators as a natural preservative helper. A 2010 abstract in the Journal of Cosmetic Science described Lonicera caprifolium and Lonicera japonica extracts combined with glyceryl caprylate, p-anisic acid, levulinic acid, and ethanol, then challenge tested in water-based products and lotions. The honeysuckle mixture had minimum inhibitory concentrations of 0.10% to 0.20% against five test microorganisms. The key word is combined: honeysuckle extract alone should not be trusted to preserve a formula.

The paraben question

Commercial honeysuckle preservative extracts are described as esters of lonicerin and p-hydroxybenzoic acid, a structure very similar to parabens. That similarity is why they work and why some brands avoid them in paraben-free claims. If you market a product as paraben-free, ask your supplier for paraben test data on the specific grade.

Claims we removed

The earlier version of this page described honeysuckle as a powerful sunblock, as removing bacteria from pores, and as calming chronic skin conditions. We could not verify these for topical honeysuckle and have removed them.

How to Use It and Formulating Notes

• As a botanical: add water-soluble honeysuckle extract to the water phase or at cool down, below about 40 C (104 F), in toners, serums, and lotions, at the supplier's rate.
• As a preservative: use a commercial, challenge-tested honeysuckle preservative blend exactly as the supplier directs, and challenge test your finished formula. Check the supplier sheet for the pH range your grade needs.
• Homemade infusions: honeysuckle tea or flower water you make at home is not a preservative. Think of it as an extra ingredient that itself needs preserving.
• Storage: keep extracts tightly closed, cool, and dark.

Who It Suits

Honeysuckle extract suits most skin types, especially normal, combination, and dry skin that likes calm, lightweight botanicals. Sensitive skin: patch test on the inner arm for 24 hours first and start at the lowest rate in the supplier's range. If you react to parabens, ask about the paraben-like structure of preservative-grade honeysuckle before use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does honeysuckle do for skin?

Honeysuckle extract is an antioxidant botanical that gives products a calm, comfortable feel. Lab tests show its phenolics and flavonoids scavenge free radicals, but no human studies show it changes the look of skin on its own.

Is honeysuckle extract a natural preservative?

It can be part of one. Specially prepared honeysuckle extracts help limit microbial growth, but they are usually combined with other natural preservative boosters and must be challenge tested in the finished product.

Does honeysuckle extract contain parabens?

Preservative-grade honeysuckle extracts are described as esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid, which is structurally very close to parabens. Ask your supplier for test data on the specific grade if you need a paraben-free claim.

What is the difference between Japanese and Italian honeysuckle?

Japanese honeysuckle is Lonicera japonica, the species used in traditional Chinese herbal practice. Italian honeysuckle is Lonicera caprifolium, a European climber. Both appear in cosmetic extracts and preservative blends.

Is honeysuckle safe for sensitive skin?

Most people tolerate honeysuckle extract well at supplier rates. Patch test first, and use fragrance-free formulas if your skin reacts to scented products.

Can I make my own honeysuckle extract?

You can make a water or glycerin infusion of the flowers, but it will not preserve anything. Add it to a formula that already has a broad-spectrum preservative.

Shop Related Products

The products previously listed in this collection are no longer available. For a natural preservative system, see Leucidal SF Complete with Lactobacillus and Coconut, read Natural Preservatives for Cosmetics: Top Guide, and browse our paraben-free collection.

Sources

• Yaowiwat N, Bunmark P, Chaichit S, Poomanee W, Trisopon K. Unlocking the skin health-promoting ingredients of honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica Thunberg) flower-loaded polyglycerol fatty acid ester-based low-energy nanoemulsions. Cosmetics. 2025;12(4):151. doi:10.3390/cosmetics12040151
• Demetzos C, et al. New alternatives to cosmetics preservation. J Cosmet Sci. 2010;61(2):108. library.scconline.org
• Olioso B. Honeysuckle extract review for antimicrobial protection. Personal Care Magazine. 2017. personalcaremagazine.com

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

About the Author
Written by Kari Thomas, cosmetic formulator and founder of Skin Perfection.