What Is Picrasma Quassioides Wood Extract?
Picrasma Quassioides Wood Extract comes from the wood of Picrasma quassioides, a small deciduous tree native to East Asia and part of the Simaroubaceae family. The wood is rich in bitter compounds called quassinoids along with flavonoids and small amounts of natural minerals. Traditional herbal practices in China and Japan prized the tree for its tonic properties, and this long history eventually drew the interest of the cosmetics industry looking for plant based ingredients that could help shield skin from daily stressors.
To obtain the extract, sustainably harvested wood chips are first dried, then soaked in a food grade solvent such as ethanol or glycerin. The mixture is gently heated so the beneficial molecules migrate out of the plant fibers into the liquid. After filtration and solvent removal under controlled temperatures, a concentrated brownish liquid or powder remains. The final material is standardized to ensure consistent levels of key quassinoids and is tested for purity before it reaches formulators.
Because of its protective qualities and mild, earthy aroma the extract shows up in a variety of products, including daily moisturizers, anti aging serums, calming masks, after sun lotions and multipurpose balms aimed at supporting the skin barrier.
Picrasma Quassioides Wood Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient is valued for its ability to help defend skin from environmental stress.
As a skin protecting agent, Picrasma Quassioides Wood Extract forms a lightweight, breathable veil on the surface that helps reduce the impact of pollutants, UV induced free radicals and irritants. Its natural antioxidants support the skin’s own defense system, which can lead to less dryness and a healthier looking complexion over time. When included in a formula, it enhances the product’s capacity to keep the skin barrier resilient, making it especially useful in day creams, urban shield serums and soothing treatments for sensitive or stressed skin.
Who Can Use Picrasma Quassioides Wood Extract
The extract is generally gentle enough for all skin types, including normal, dry, oily and combination skin. Its light protective film does not clog pores, making it a comfortable option for acne-prone users as well. People with very reactive or highly sensitized skin may still prefer to introduce it slowly since the bitter quassinoids can be stimulating in rare cases.
Because Picrasma Quassioides Wood Extract is derived entirely from plant material and no animal by-products are involved in its harvesting or processing, it meets vegan and vegetarian standards.
Current data does not flag the ingredient as unsafe for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, yet research in this group is limited. This content is not medical advice; anyone expecting or nursing should ask a qualified doctor before adding new skincare products to their routine.
The extract is not known to raise photosensitivity and can be worn during the day without making skin more prone to sunburn. As always, daily sunscreen remains important for overall protection.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Picrasma Quassioides Wood Extract vary by individual. The effects listed below are possible but uncommon when the ingredient is used at appropriate levels in a well-formulated product.
- Mild redness or warmth
- Itching or tingling sensation
- Temporary dryness if used in a very high concentration
- Allergic contact dermatitis in those sensitive to quassinoids
If any of these reactions occur stop use right away and seek advice from a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0–1. Picrasma Quassioides Wood Extract is a lightweight plant extract with no record of clogging pores in cosmetic use levels. It contains mostly small, water soluble or alcohol soluble molecules that sit on the surface as a sheer protective layer rather than blocking follicles. Because it lacks heavy oils or waxes, the likelihood of comedone formation is very low.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.
No ingredient acts in complete isolation, so a final product’s comedogenicity depends on the whole formula. Always consider the other components in a cream or serum when evaluating pore-clogging potential.
Summary
Picrasma Quassioides Wood Extract is used mainly as a skin protectant. Its quassinoids and flavonoids supply antioxidant activity that shields skin from pollution and reactive oxygen species while forming a light breathable veil that reinforces the moisture barrier. These actions help skin maintain resilience and a healthier appearance over time.
The ingredient remains a niche botanical rather than a mainstream star, yet it is gaining traction among clean beauty and urban defense products thanks to its plant origin and gentle profile.
Current data shows it is generally safe for all skin types with a very low risk of irritation or pore blockage. As with any new skincare ingredient it is wise to patch test a product first to ensure personal compatibility.