What is Eucommia Ulmoides Bark Extract?
Eucommia Ulmoides Bark Extract, also known as Du Zhong or Hardy Rubber Tree, is a plant-derived ingredient extracted from the bark of the Eucommia ulmoides tree, a species native to China and part of the Eucommiaceae family. This extract is rich in various bioactive compounds, including lignans, iridoids, phenolics, and flavonoids, which contribute to its antioxidant and skin-protecting properties.
The use of Eucommia Ulmoides in traditional Chinese medicine dates back centuries, where it was prized for its healing and strengthening properties. Its transition into the cosmetic industry is relatively recent, with manufacturers recognizing its potential benefits for skin health. The extraction process involves drying the bark of the Eucommia ulmoides tree, then using a solvent such as water or ethanol to draw out the beneficial compounds.
While there are other antioxidant and skin-protecting ingredients available in the cosmetic market, such as Vitamin C and E, Eucommia Ulmoides Bark Extract stands out due to its unique composition of bioactive compounds. These compounds not only provide antioxidant protection but also offer additional skin benefits, such as anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties.
Eucommia Ulmoides Bark Extract is typically used in a variety of skincare products, including moisturizers, serums, and anti-aging creams. Its antioxidant properties make it a valuable addition to products designed to protect the skin from environmental stressors, while its skin-protecting qualities can help to enhance the skin’s natural barrier function.
Benefits and Uses
In this section, we will delve into the officially recognized benefits and uses of Eucommia Ulmoides Bark Extract:
Antioxidant Properties
Eucommia Ulmoides Bark Extract is recognized for its potent antioxidant properties. In layman’s terms, antioxidants are substances that help protect our skin cells from damage. They do this by neutralizing harmful free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage the cells in our body, including skin cells. This damage can accelerate the aging process and lead to skin problems like wrinkles and fine lines. By neutralizing these free radicals, Eucommia Ulmoides Bark Extract helps to maintain the health and vitality of our skin, keeping it looking youthful and radiant.
Skin Protecting
Another official function of Eucommia Ulmoides Bark Extract is its skin-protecting ability. This means that it helps to form a barrier on the skin’s surface, which reduces the impact of environmental stressors like pollution and harsh weather conditions. This protective barrier also helps to lock in moisture, keeping the skin hydrated and preventing dryness and flaking. As a result, the skin remains healthy, smooth, and supple.
It’s important to note that these benefits are based on the officially recognized and defined functions of Eucommia Ulmoides Bark Extract. There may be other potential benefits and uses of this ingredient that go beyond the scope of these official functions. However, these additional benefits are not officially recognized and therefore, should be considered with caution until further research is conducted.
Safety Profile
Eucommia Ulmoides Bark Extract is not a banned or regulated ingredient in cosmetics. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetic products. However, like any ingredient, it may not be suitable for all skin types and there is always a potential for allergic reactions.
While it is generally well-tolerated, potential side effects of topical application of Eucommia Ulmoides Bark Extract may include:
- Redness
- Itching
- Skin irritation
A note for women who are pregnant and/or breastfeeding – There is currently limited data on the safety of topical use of Eucommia Ulmoides Bark Extract during pregnancy or breastfeeding. As such, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for further advice.
Side effects or adverse reactions from Eucommia Ulmoides Bark Extract are not common, but it is always recommended to do a patch test before widespread usage to ensure there is no adverse reaction.
This ingredient analysis has been commissioned by Truth In Skincare (TiS), an independent industry regulator. The information has been gathered by a TiS-appointed industry consultant whose sources include CosIng (Cosmetic Ingredient Database – by the European Commission), the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) as well as other various publicly available sources.
