Inga Bourgoni Bark Extract: What Is It, Cosmetic Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: June 30, 2025
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We verify all information on this page using publicly available nomenclature standards from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), the European Commission's CosIng database and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Inga Bourgoni Bark Extract?

Inga Bourgoni Bark Extract is a plant-based ingredient sourced from the bark of Inga bourgoni, a legume tree that grows in the warm, humid climates of Central and South America. The bark contains natural compounds such as flavonoids, tannins and small amounts of plant sugars that help the tree defend itself from environmental stress. Local communities have long used preparations from this bark to calm and protect skin, a tradition that inspired modern formulators to study it for cosmetic use.

To create the extract, sustainably collected bark is cleaned, dried and milled into a fine powder. The powder is then soaked in a mix of water and mild food-grade solvents that draw out the beneficial molecules. After several hours the liquid is filtered, concentrated and standardized so every batch offers the same level of active components. The finished extract is a brownish liquid or powder that blends easily into water-based or emulsified products.

Because of its mild nature and skin-softening profile, Inga Bourgoni Bark Extract appears in a variety of leave-on and rinse-off formulas such as moisturizers, soothing masks, anti-aging serums, after-shave balms and daily lotions that aim to keep skin comfortable and smooth.

Inga Bourgoni Bark Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This ingredient is valued mainly for one broad benefit.

Skin Conditioning: Inga Bourgoni Bark Extract helps keep skin soft, supple and well hydrated. The naturally occurring sugars attract water to the surface layers, while tannins form a light protective film that reduces moisture loss. Flavonoids offer mild antioxidant support which can lessen the look of dull, stressed skin. Together these actions leave the complexion feeling smoother and more comfortable, making the extract a useful addition to products designed for daily hydration and soothing care.

Who Can Use Inga Bourgoni Bark Extract

Because it is gentle and mainly acts as a skin conditioner, Inga Bourgoni Bark Extract suits most skin types, including normal, dry, combination and even mildly sensitive skin. Oily or acne-prone users can also try it since the extract is lightweight and rarely clogs pores, though they may prefer formulas where it is paired with non-occlusive bases.

The extract is plant derived with no animal by-products, so it is appropriate for vegans and vegetarians. Harvesting is done from the bark of living trees which regrow, making it a cruelty-free and sustainable option.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women are not known to face special risks from topical use of this extract. Current data show no hormone-like activity or common sensitizers. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should check with a physician before adding new skincare products.

Inga Bourgoni Bark Extract does not contain photo-reactive molecules and has no record of increasing sun sensitivity. Normal daily sun protection practices remain sufficient.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Reactions to topical use of Inga Bourgoni Bark Extract differ from person to person. The following list covers potential side effects yet most users will not notice any problems when the ingredient is formulated and used properly.

  • Mild redness or warmth in very sensitive skin
  • Transient stinging if applied to freshly shaved or broken skin
  • Dry or tight feeling when used in high concentrations due to natural tannins
  • Allergic contact dermatitis in those with a specific plant allergy

If any unwanted reaction occurs stop use and seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1 out of 5. Inga Bourgoni Bark Extract is mostly water soluble and contains lightweight plant sugars and flavonoids rather than heavy oils or waxes. These molecules sit on the skin briefly to hold moisture but rinse or absorb away without blocking pores. The small amount of tannins can tighten the skin surface yet they do not form an occlusive plug. For that reason the extract earns a low rating of 1, meaning it is very unlikely to trigger blackheads or whiteheads.

Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin in most formulas.

As with any raw material, the final product still matters. If the extract is paired with rich butters or heavy silicones the overall comedogenic potential can rise, so look at the full ingredient list when choosing a product.

Summary

Inga Bourgoni Bark Extract is mainly a skin conditioning agent that draws water to the surface, forms a light moisture-holding film and supplies a touch of antioxidant support. These actions help skin feel softer, smoother and more comfortable.

The ingredient is still a niche choice so you will not see it in every moisturizer, yet formulators who want gentle plant-sourced actives are starting to include it more often.

Safety data show it to be mild with a low risk of irritation or pore blockage for most users. Even so, everyone’s skin is different so it is smart to patch test any new product that contains this extract before full use.

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