What is Quercus Petraea Bark Extract?
Quercus Petraea Bark Extract, also known as Sessile Oak Bark Extract, is derived from the bark of the Quercus Petraea tree, a species of oak native to Europe. This extract is rich in tannins, a class of polyphenolic compounds known for their astringent properties. The bark of the Quercus Petraea tree has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its healing and anti-inflammatory properties, and it is these properties that have led to its use in modern cosmetic products.
The process of creating Quercus Petraea Bark Extract involves harvesting the bark from mature Quercus Petraea trees, drying it, and then soaking it in a solvent such as water or alcohol. This process allows the beneficial compounds in the bark to be extracted and concentrated, ready for use in cosmetic formulations.
Quercus Petraea Bark Extract is often compared to other astringent ingredients used in cosmetics, such as witch hazel or green tea extract. However, what sets Quercus Petraea Bark Extract apart is its high tannin content, which gives it potent anti-sebum properties. This makes it particularly effective in products designed for oily or acne-prone skin.
Typically, you will find Quercus Petraea Bark Extract in a range of skincare products, including cleansers, toners, and serums. Its astringent properties make it a popular choice for products aimed at reducing oiliness and improving the appearance of large pores. However, it’s important to note that while Quercus Petraea Bark Extract can help to control sebum production, it is not a cure-all for skin issues and should be used as part of a balanced skincare routine.
Benefits and Uses
In this section, we will delve into the officially recognized benefits and uses of Quercus Petraea Bark Extract:
Anti-Sebum
Quercus Petraea Bark Extract is officially recognized for its anti-sebum properties. In layman’s terms, this means it can help control the production of sebum, the oily substance produced by our skin’s sebaceous glands. Excessive sebum production can lead to oily skin, clogged pores, and acne. By regulating sebum production, Quercus Petraea Bark Extract can help maintain a balanced and healthy skin condition, preventing the occurrence of these skin issues. This makes it a valuable ingredient in skincare products, particularly those aimed at oily and acne-prone skin types.
It’s important to note that the benefits listed above are based on the officially recognized and defined functions of Quercus Petraea Bark Extract. There may be other benefits and uses of this ingredient that go beyond the scope of its official functions. However, these additional benefits are not officially recognized and therefore, should be approached with a healthy degree of skepticism until further research is conducted.
Safety Profile
Quercus Petraea 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 everyone and may cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
Potential side effects of topical application of Quercus Petraea Bark Extract include:
- Redness
- Itching
- Swelling
- Skin irritation
A note for women who are pregnant and/or breastfeeding – there is currently insufficient data on the safety of topical usage of Quercus Petraea Bark Extract during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional for further advice.
Adverse reactions to Quercus Petraea Bark Extract are not common, but it’s always a good idea to do 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.
