What Is Paeonia Suffruticosa Flower Extract?
Paeonia Suffruticosa Flower Extract is a botanical ingredient obtained from the blossoms of Paeonia suffruticosa, commonly known as the tree peony. The flower is rich in flavonoids, paeonol and aromatic compounds that give it soothing and antioxidant properties prized in skin care. Tree peonies have long held cultural value in East Asia, where their petals were historically steeped or powdered for complexion care. Modern cosmetics picked up on these traditions in the late twentieth century as researchers isolated the flower’s skin conditioning molecules.
The extract is typically produced by harvesting fully opened petals, drying them at low heat then steeping the plant material in a cosmetic-grade solvent such as glycerin or a mix of water and alcohol. The liquid is filtered, concentrated and standardized to ensure consistent levels of active constituents before it is blended into finished formulas.
You will often see Paeonia Suffruticosa Flower Extract featured in moisturizers, brightening serums, calming masks, anti-aging creams, after-sun gels and leave-on treatments aimed at improving overall skin comfort.
Paeonia Suffruticosa Flower Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This floral extract contributes one primary benefit in topical products.
Skin conditioning: The extract helps soften the skin surface, boosts moisture retention and supplies antioxidants that support a smoother, healthier appearance.
Who Can Use Paeonia Suffruticosa Flower Extract
This flower extract is gentle enough for most skin types including normal, dry, oily, combination and sensitive skin because it is light in texture and low in irritants. Acne-prone users generally tolerate it well since it is not heavy or pore-clogging.
As a purely plant-derived ingredient it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians, provided the rest of the formula also avoids animal-derived additives such as beeswax or milk proteins.
No specific safety flags have been raised for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the extract is used topically in typical cosmetic amounts. Still, research during pregnancy is limited so this is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should review any new skin care product with a qualified doctor.
Paeonia Suffruticosa Flower Extract is not known to cause photosensitivity and can be used day or night without increasing sunburn risk. It also plays well with common actives such as niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and gentle exfoliating acids.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to Paeonia Suffruticosa Flower Extract can vary from person to person. The effects listed below are possibilities rather than the norm and most consumers will not encounter them when using a well-formulated product.
- Mild redness or itching on very reactive skin
- Contact allergy that may appear as a localized rash or hives
- Stinging or burning if applied to broken or freshly exfoliated skin
- Dryness if the extract is delivered in a high-alcohol base
If any of these issues occur stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0. Paeonia Suffruticosa Flower Extract is a water-soluble botanical with minimal lipids so it does not linger in pores or create the kind of film that can trap dead cells and sebum. Laboratory and anecdotal data show no tendency to form comedones even at higher use levels.
Because of this rating it is considered suitable for skin that is prone to acne or breakouts.
Keep in mind a finished product’s overall comedogenic potential depends on the entire formula; heavy oils or waxes paired with the extract could still clog pores.
Summary
Paeonia Suffruticosa Flower Extract is valued for skin conditioning. Its flavonoids and paeonol provide antioxidant defense, its natural sugars help bind water and its calming compounds ease visible irritation which together leave skin softer and more comfortable.
While not as famous as green tea or chamomile, the extract enjoys steady popularity in niche K-beauty and sensitive-skin formulas that focus on gentle botanicals.
Topical use is regarded as low risk with few reported adverse effects, yet every skin is unique so performing a quick patch test when trying any new product containing this ingredient is always a smart precaution.