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Elderflower
At ORY®, we believe you should know what’s in your products and why. This page lists the published research behind what we say about elderflower. Each section starts with our claim, then tells you how well the research supports it, then lists the sources so you can read them yourself.
How to read this page Supported — backed by peer-reviewed research or official safety reviews. Supported, with caveats — the research points this way, but mostly from laboratory or animal studies, or at different strengths than ORY® uses. Limited evidence — little or no published research yet. We say so openly. |
1. General Description and Role
Claim: Elderflower is the honey-scented blossom of the European elder (Sambucus nigra). In ORY® products, it provides antioxidant support and helps skin feel refreshed and toned. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. Elderflower is rich in flavonoids such as rutin and quercetin, and elderflower infusions show strong antioxidant activity in lab tests. We found no controlled clinical skin studies and no CIR safety assessment for elderflower.
Citations:
- Viapiana, A., & Wesolowski, M. (2017). The phenolic contents and antioxidant activities of infusions of Sambucus nigra L. Plant Foods for Human Nutrition, 72(1), 82–87. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11130-016-0594-x
- What it shows: Lab study of elderflower antioxidant activity.
- Młynarczyk, K., Walkowiak-Tomczak, D., & Łysiak, G. P. (2018). Bioactive properties of Sambucus nigra L. as a functional ingredient for food and pharmaceutical industry. Journal of Functional Foods, 40, 377–390. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464617306977
- What it shows: Review of Sambucus nigra compounds.
- Viapiana, A., & Wesolowski, M. (2017). The phenolic contents and antioxidant activities of infusions of Sambucus nigra L. Plant Foods for Human Nutrition, 72(1), 82–87. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11130-016-0594-x
2. Composition and Production
Claim: Elderflower is used as dried flowers, flower water, water or glycerin extract, and infused oil. It contains flavonoids, phenolic acids, triterpenes, tannins, and mucilage. Only the flowers are used; raw leaves, bark, and unripe berries contain compounds that can release cyanide. |
Verification: Supported. Elder chemistry, including the toxic compounds in other plant parts, is well documented. ORY® infused oils are made by steeping dried plant material in a carrier oil. The carrier oil makes up most of the finished product, so its own properties matter as much as the botanical’s — including allergy: nut-derived carrier oils such as sweet almond oil may not suit people with tree-nut allergies.
Citations:
- Młynarczyk, K., Walkowiak-Tomczak, D., & Łysiak, G. P. (2018). Bioactive properties of Sambucus nigra L. as a functional ingredient for food and pharmaceutical industry. Journal of Functional Foods, 40, 377–390. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464617306977
- What it shows: Describes elder compounds, including cyanogenic glycosides.
- Sidor, A., & Gramza-Michałowska, A. (2015). Advanced research on the antioxidant and health benefit of elderberry (Sambucus nigra) in food – a review. Journal of Functional Foods, 18, 941–958. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464614002400
- What it shows: Review of elder chemistry.
- Młynarczyk, K., Walkowiak-Tomczak, D., & Łysiak, G. P. (2018). Bioactive properties of Sambucus nigra L. as a functional ingredient for food and pharmaceutical industry. Journal of Functional Foods, 40, 377–390. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464617306977
3. Skin Type Suitability
Claim: Elderflower suits all skin types. |
Verification: Limited evidence. We found no cosmetic clinical studies of elderflower by skin type. Suitability is based on its gentle composition and traditional use.
Citations:
- Młynarczyk, K., Walkowiak-Tomczak, D., & Łysiak, G. P. (2018). Bioactive properties of Sambucus nigra L. as a functional ingredient for food and pharmaceutical industry. Journal of Functional Foods, 40, 377–390. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464617306977
- What it shows: General review.
- Młynarczyk, K., Walkowiak-Tomczak, D., & Łysiak, G. P. (2018). Bioactive properties of Sambucus nigra L. as a functional ingredient for food and pharmaceutical industry. Journal of Functional Foods, 40, 377–390. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464617306977
4. Hair and Scalp Suitability
Claim: In haircare, elderflower rinses and oils help hair look shiny and the scalp feel refreshed. |
Verification: Limited evidence. We found no clinical studies of elderflower on hair. ORY® haircare products are not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions.
Citations:
- Młynarczyk, K., Walkowiak-Tomczak, D., & Łysiak, G. P. (2018). Bioactive properties of Sambucus nigra L. as a functional ingredient for food and pharmaceutical industry. Journal of Functional Foods, 40, 377–390. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464617306977
- What it shows: General review.
- Młynarczyk, K., Walkowiak-Tomczak, D., & Łysiak, G. P. (2018). Bioactive properties of Sambucus nigra L. as a functional ingredient for food and pharmaceutical industry. Journal of Functional Foods, 40, 377–390. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464617306977
5. Benefits
Claim: Elderflower provides antioxidant support and helps skin feel refreshed, toned, and soft. |
Verification: Limited evidence. Antioxidant activity is supported by lab tests. Traditional uses for redness, under-eye puffiness, and strengthening small blood vessels have not been tested in controlled skin studies, and ORY® does not make those claims.
Citations:
- Viapiana, A., & Wesolowski, M. (2017). The phenolic contents and antioxidant activities of infusions of Sambucus nigra L. Plant Foods for Human Nutrition, 72(1), 82–87. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11130-016-0594-x
- What it shows: Lab antioxidant evidence.
- Viapiana, A., & Wesolowski, M. (2017). The phenolic contents and antioxidant activities of infusions of Sambucus nigra L. Plant Foods for Human Nutrition, 72(1), 82–87. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11130-016-0594-x
6. Use Across ORY® Product Lines
Claim: Elderflower is used in all four ORY® product lines. |
Verification: Limited evidence. We found no CIR safety assessment for elderflower ingredients, and no data on how its compounds behave in soapmaking.
| Product line | Typical level | How ORY® uses it |
| Skincare | 10–50% infused oil; 1–5% extract | Toners and mists, face and body oils, light creams, and masks. |
| Haircare | 5–20% infused oil; 1–3% extract | Shine rinses, scalp mists, and light hair oils. |
| Handmade Soap | 10–20% of oils; tea as the water | Infused oil and elderflower tea in the recipe. |
| Cosmetics | 2–10% infused oil; 1–3% extract | Setting mists and lip balms. |
Citations:
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap
- What it shows: FDA explains how soap is regulated.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap
7. Pros
Claim: A gentle, antioxidant-rich flower in water and oil forms. |
Verification: Limited evidence. Evidence is chemical and traditional.
Citations:
- Viapiana, A., & Wesolowski, M. (2017). The phenolic contents and antioxidant activities of infusions of Sambucus nigra L. Plant Foods for Human Nutrition, 72(1), 82–87. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11130-016-0594-x
- What it shows: Lab evidence.
- Viapiana, A., & Wesolowski, M. (2017). The phenolic contents and antioxidant activities of infusions of Sambucus nigra L. Plant Foods for Human Nutrition, 72(1), 82–87. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11130-016-0594-x
8. Cons
Claim: Elderflower has little clinical evidence, only its flowers are safe to use, and extracts darken with age. |
Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:
- Limited evidence. No controlled skin studies.
- Plant-part safety. Leaves, bark, and unripe berries are toxic.
- Oxidation. Infusions and extracts brown with age.
- No CIR assessment. No independent cosmetic safety review found.
Citations:
- Młynarczyk, K., Walkowiak-Tomczak, D., & Łysiak, G. P. (2018). Bioactive properties of Sambucus nigra L. as a functional ingredient for food and pharmaceutical industry. Journal of Functional Foods, 40, 377–390. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464617306977
- What it shows: Plant-part safety.
- Młynarczyk, K., Walkowiak-Tomczak, D., & Łysiak, G. P. (2018). Bioactive properties of Sambucus nigra L. as a functional ingredient for food and pharmaceutical industry. Journal of Functional Foods, 40, 377–390. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464617306977
9. Safety Notes
Claim: Patch test before use; for external use only. |
Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:
- Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
- If you have a tree-nut allergy, check the carrier oil before use.
- Store infused oils away from heat and light, and discard them if they smell rancid.
- Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs, and talk to a healthcare provider.
- For external use only. Avoid the eyes. Do not use on broken or seriously damaged skin.
- If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, ask a healthcare provider before use.
Citations:
- Młynarczyk, K., Walkowiak-Tomczak, D., & Łysiak, G. P. (2018). Bioactive properties of Sambucus nigra L. as a functional ingredient for food and pharmaceutical industry. Journal of Functional Foods, 40, 377–390. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464617306977
- What it shows: Review.
- Młynarczyk, K., Walkowiak-Tomczak, D., & Łysiak, G. P. (2018). Bioactive properties of Sambucus nigra L. as a functional ingredient for food and pharmaceutical industry. Journal of Functional Foods, 40, 377–390. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464617306977
10. Product-line notes
- ORY® Skincare: For external use only. Not for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
- ORY® Haircare: Designed for scalp comfort and the look and feel of hair. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss. If you notice sudden shedding or a persistent itchy, flaking scalp, see a dermatologist.
- ORY® Handmade Soap: Handmade soap is naturally alkaline, and each bar may vary slightly in color, scent, and texture. Not intended to treat eczema or any skin condition.
- ORY® Cosmetics: Lip products are not intended to treat or protect chapped or cracked lips. Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.
11. References
Peer-reviewed research
- Młynarczyk, K., Walkowiak-Tomczak, D., & Łysiak, G. P. (2018). Bioactive properties of Sambucus nigra L. as a functional ingredient for food and pharmaceutical industry. Journal of Functional Foods, 40, 377–390. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464617306977
- Sidor, A., & Gramza-Michałowska, A. (2015). Advanced research on the antioxidant and health benefit of elderberry (Sambucus nigra) in food – a review. Journal of Functional Foods, 18, 941–958. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464614002400
- Viapiana, A., & Wesolowski, M. (2017). The phenolic contents and antioxidant activities of infusions of Sambucus nigra L. Plant Foods for Human Nutrition, 72(1), 82–87. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11130-016-0594-x
Government and regulatory sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap
