What is Paeonia Lactiflora Flower Extract?
Paeonia Lactiflora Flower Extract, also known as White Peony Flower Extract, is derived from the flowers of the Paeonia lactiflora plant, a member of the Paeoniaceae family. This plant species is native to East Asia, particularly China, and has been used in traditional medicine for centuries due to its therapeutic properties. The extract is rich in several bioactive compounds, including paeoniflorin, albiflorin, and oxypaeoniflorin, which contribute to its antioxidant and skin-protecting functions.
The use of Paeonia Lactiflora Flower Extract in cosmetic products can be traced back to ancient times when it was prized for its ability to improve skin health and beauty. The extraction process involves harvesting the flowers, drying them, and then using a solvent, typically water or ethanol, to draw out the beneficial compounds. The resulting extract is then filtered and concentrated to be used in various skincare formulations.
While there are other flower extracts used in cosmetics, such as rose or chamomile, Paeonia Lactiflora Flower Extract stands out due to its unique composition of bioactive compounds. These compounds provide potent antioxidant properties, helping to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Additionally, the extract has been shown to have skin-soothing effects, making it a popular choice for products aimed at sensitive or irritated skin.
Paeonia Lactiflora Flower Extract is typically used in a wide range of cosmetic products. Its antioxidant and skin-protecting properties make it a valuable addition to moisturizers, serums, and face masks. It’s also commonly found in products designed to soothe and calm the skin, such as after-sun lotions or products for sensitive skin. Regardless of the product type, the inclusion of Paeonia Lactiflora Flower Extract can contribute to healthier, more radiant skin.
Benefits and Uses
In this section, we will delve into the officially recognized benefits and uses of Paeonia Lactiflora Flower Extract:
Antioxidant Properties
Paeonia Lactiflora Flower Extract is known for its potent antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are substances that can prevent or slow damage to cells caused by free radicals, unstable molecules that the body produces as a reaction to environmental and other pressures. In the context of skincare, this means that Paeonia Lactiflora Flower Extract can help to protect the skin from damage caused by environmental pollutants and UV radiation. This can result in a healthier, more youthful appearance of the skin, as it helps to prevent premature aging caused by oxidative stress.
Skin Protecting
Another official function of Paeonia Lactiflora Flower Extract is its skin-protecting abilities. This extract forms a protective barrier on the skin’s surface, which helps to shield it from harmful external factors such as pollutants, allergens, and harsh weather conditions. This protective barrier also helps to lock in moisture, keeping the skin hydrated and preventing dryness and flakiness. As a result, the skin appears smoother, softer, and more radiant.
It’s important to note that these benefits are based on the officially recognized and defined functions of Paeonia Lactiflora Flower Extract. There may be other 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, may not be universally applicable or guaranteed.
Safety Profile
Paeonia Lactiflora Flower Extract is not a banned or regulated ingredient in cosmetics. It is generally considered safe for use in skincare and cosmetic products. However, like any ingredient, it may not be suitable for everyone and could potentially cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
Here are some potential side effects of topical application of Paeonia Lactiflora Flower Extract:
- Redness
- Itching
- Skin irritation
A note for women who are pregnant and/or breastfeeding – There is currently a lack of data regarding the safety of topically applied Paeonia Lactiflora Flower Extract during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for further advice.
Adverse reactions to Paeonia Lactiflora Flower Extract are not common, but it’s always a good idea to perform a patch test before using any new product widely. Apply a small amount of the product containing the ingredient to a small area of skin and wait 24 hours to see if any reaction occurs.
This ingredient analysis has been commissioned by Truth In Skincare (TiS), an independent industry regulator. The analysis was conducted 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.
