Pittosporum Eugenioides Flower/Leaf 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: July 1, 2025
Share:
Inside this article:

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 Pittosporum Eugenioides Flower/Leaf Extract?

Pittosporum Eugenioides Flower/Leaf Extract comes from the flowers and leaves of Pittosporum eugenioides, a fragrant evergreen tree native to New Zealand and commonly called lemonwood. Traditional Māori communities valued its citrus-scented foliage for personal care, and modern formulators have taken notice of the plant’s soothing, aromatic qualities. The extract is usually produced by soaking the freshly harvested botanical matter in a water-glycerin or gentle alcohol solution, then filtering and concentrating the liquid to keep its beneficial compounds intact. Those compounds include natural sugars, flavonoids and lightweight oils that help the skin feel soft and comfortable. You will most often spot this extract in hydrating face creams, calming masks, refreshing toners, after-sun lotions and spa-style body butters where a mild botanically derived conditioning boost is handy.

Pittosporum Eugenioides Flower/Leaf Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

The main role of Pittosporum Eugenioides Flower/Leaf Extract in skincare is skin conditioning, meaning it helps keep skin feeling smooth, supple and cared for by adding a light layer of moisture and botanical nutrients.

Who Can Use Pittosporum Eugenioides Flower/Leaf Extract

Pittosporum Eugenioides Flower/Leaf Extract is generally suitable for all skin types including dry, normal, combination and oily because it delivers lightweight hydration without feeling greasy or clogging pores. Sensitive skin also tends to tolerate it well thanks to its mild nature, though individuals with known allergies to botanical extracts from the Pittosporum family should be cautious.

The ingredient is plant derived with no animal by-products so it fits easily into vegan and vegetarian lifestyles, and most products featuring it are manufactured without animal testing when sourced from reputable brands.

Current research shows no specific concerns for topical use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should review any skincare product with a qualified healthcare provider to be safe.

Pittosporum Eugenioides Flower/Leaf Extract does not cause photosensitivity and can be used day or night without raising sun sensitivity. As with any new botanical, monitor your skin for individual tolerance and pair it with daily sunscreen for overall protection.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Side effects from topical use of Pittosporum Eugenioides Flower/Leaf Extract vary from person to person. The points below outline potential reactions yet most users will not experience these when the ingredient is formulated and applied correctly.

  • Mild redness or irritation in very sensitive skin
  • Itching or stinging immediately after application
  • Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals allergic to Pittosporum species or related plants
  • Fragrance sensitivity since the extract carries a natural lemony aroma

If any negative reaction occurs discontinue use promptly and seek advice from a healthcare professional or dermatologist.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1 out of 5 (very low chance of clogging pores)

Pittosporum Eugenioides Flower/Leaf Extract is chiefly water based with only tiny amounts of lightweight oil so it forms a thin, breathable layer rather than a thick film that can block pores. It is also used at modest concentrations in formulas which keeps any comedogenic impact minimal.

Because of this low score the extract is usually a safe pick for skin that is prone to acne or frequent breakouts.

Keep in mind the overall feel of a product depends on all ingredients. If the extract is blended with heavy waxes or butters the final texture could still be too rich for very oily skin.

Summary

Pittosporum Eugenioides Flower/Leaf Extract offers gentle skin conditioning by adding light moisture and soothing plant nutrients that leave the surface feeling soft and comfortable. Its mostly water soluble profile lets it integrate smoothly into hydrating creams, mists and masks without greasiness.

The ingredient is not yet a household name but interest is growing among brands focused on clean, plant powered formulas which means you may see it pop up more often on labels in the near future.

Overall it is considered safe for everyday use with only rare reports of sensitivity. As with any new skincare ingredient it is wise to patch test a small area first to make sure your skin agrees before applying more broadly.

Was this article helpful?
More from Glooshi:
ADVERTISEMENT
Get all our top headlines in beauty.
Delivered right to your inbox each week. Zero spam, all goodness, opt-out at anytime.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Get the latest beauty news, top product recommendations & brand-exclusive discount codes direct to your inbox.
Send good feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Send bad feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Search