What is Paeonol?
Paeonol, also known as Ethanone, 1-(2-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-, is a naturally occurring compound derived from the bark of the Paeonia suffruticosa, a species of tree peony. This compound is also found in various other plants and herbs, including Paeonia lactiflora (white peony) and Paeonia veitchii. Its chemical composition, which includes a 2-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl group attached to an ethanone group, gives it unique properties that make it beneficial in the world of cosmetics.
The use of Paeonol in cosmetics can be traced back to ancient times, particularly in traditional Chinese medicine where it was used for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Today, it is synthesized through a process that involves the extraction of the compound from the bark of the Paeonia suffruticosa, followed by a series of chemical reactions to purify and stabilize the compound.
While Paeonol shares some similarities with other antioxidants used in cosmetics, such as resveratrol and ferulic acid, it stands out due to its unique combination of antioxidant and skin conditioning properties. Unlike some antioxidants that only protect the skin from damage, Paeonol also helps to improve the skin’s texture and appearance.
Paeonol is typically used in a variety of skincare products, including moisturizers, serums, and anti-aging creams. Its antioxidant properties make it an excellent ingredient for products designed to protect the skin from environmental stressors, while its skin conditioning properties make it a valuable addition to products aimed at improving the skin’s texture and appearance.
Benefits and Uses
In this section, we will delve into the officially recognized benefits and uses of Paeonol:
Antioxidant Properties
One of the primary benefits of Paeonol is its antioxidant properties. In the context of cosmetics, antioxidants are vital for protecting the skin from harmful free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage the skin cells, leading to premature aging and skin dullness. Paeonol, with its antioxidant properties, can neutralize these free radicals, thereby protecting the skin from their harmful effects. This means that products containing Paeonol can help maintain the skin’s youthful appearance and vibrancy.
Skin Conditioning
Another official function of Paeonol is skin conditioning. This means that Paeonol helps to make the skin feel smoother, softer, and more supple. It achieves this by enhancing the skin’s ability to retain moisture, which is essential for maintaining the skin’s elasticity and preventing dryness. Therefore, cosmetics containing Paeonol can help improve the texture and appearance of the skin, making it feel more comfortable and look healthier.
It’s important to note that these benefits are based on the officially recognized and defined functions of Paeonol. There may be other benefits and uses of this ingredient that go beyond these official functions. However, as consumers, it’s crucial to base our understanding and expectations on the proven and recognized capabilities of cosmetic ingredients.
Safety Profile
Paeonol, also known as Ethanone, 1-(2-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-, is not a banned or regulated ingredient in cosmetics. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetic products. However, as with any ingredient, individual reactions can vary and it is always recommended to conduct a patch test before widespread usage.
While Paeonol has a low allergenic potential, some potential side effects of topical application of this ingredient may include:
- Minor skin irritation
- Redness
- Dryness
A note for women who are pregnant and/or breastfeeding – While there is no specific data suggesting that Paeonol is harmful during pregnancy or breastfeeding, there is also a lack of extensive research on this particular ingredient’s topical usage during these periods. Therefore, it is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional for further advice.
Adverse reactions to Paeonol are not common, but as with any cosmetic ingredient, individual skin reactions can vary. It is always recommended to conduct 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 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.
