Pouzolzia Pentandra 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
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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 Pouzolzia Pentandra Extract?

Pouzolzia Pentandra Extract comes from the entire Pouzolzia pentandra plant, a member of the nettle family Urticaceae. The plant grows in tropical Asia and has long been used in folk applications for its soothing nature. Chemically, the extract is rich in flavonoids, simple sugars and natural minerals, all of which can help support skin comfort. To make the extract, the freshly harvested plant is cleaned, air-dried then soaked in a mix of water and safe food-grade solvents. The liquid is filtered, concentrated and finally standardized so each batch offers consistent quality.

Formulators add Pouzolzia Pentandra Extract to products where calming and conditioning are key. You will most often see it listed on labels for hydrating sheet masks, daily moisturizers, after-sun gels, gentle cleansers and lightweight serums aimed at sensitive or stressed skin.

Pouzolzia Pentandra Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

Pouzolzia Pentandra Extract is valued in skincare for one main reason

Skin conditioning: The blend of plant sugars and flavonoids helps smooth the skin surface, reduce temporary redness and support the skin’s natural moisture barrier. In a formula this can translate to a softer feel on application, quicker relief after cleansing and an overall fresher look throughout the day.

Who Can Use Pouzolzia Pentandra Extract

Pouzolzia Pentandra Extract is considered gentle enough for most skin types, including dry, oily, combination and sensitive skin. Its calming nature makes it especially helpful for skin that gets easily flushed or feels tight after cleansing. Because the extract is lightweight and water based, it rarely leaves a heavy residue so acne-prone users generally tolerate it well too.

The ingredient is botanical and no animal derivatives are involved in its sourcing or processing, making it suitable for both vegetarians and vegans.

No data suggests that topical Pouzolzia Pentandra Extract poses specific risks to pregnant or breastfeeding individuals. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should check with a qualified healthcare professional before introducing new skincare products.

Pouzolzia Pentandra Extract does not cause photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It can be used day or night and pairs safely with most common skincare ingredients, including retinoids and acids, without known antagonistic interactions.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Responses to topical Pouzolzia Pentandra Extract differ from person to person. The issues listed below are possible yet uncommon when the ingredient is properly formulated and used as directed.

  • Transient redness: A small number of users may notice mild flushing immediately after application, usually subsiding within minutes
  • Itching or stinging: Very sensitive skin can experience a light itch or tingle, particularly if the barrier is already compromised
  • Contact dermatitis: Rare allergic reactions could lead to localized swelling, rash or persistent irritation
  • Interaction with open wounds: Applying any cosmetic, including this extract, to broken skin may delay healing or cause discomfort

If irritation or any adverse effect occurs stop use right away and consult a healthcare professional.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0 / 5

Pouzolzia Pentandra Extract is water based with virtually no heavy lipids or waxes that could lodge in pores which is why it sits at the bottom of the comedogenic scale. Its main components are flavonoids and lightweight plant sugars that dissolve easily and rinse away cleanly.

Because of this low rating it is generally considered suitable for skin that is prone to acne or frequent breakouts.

Clog-forming potential always depends on the full formula so products that pair the extract with rich oils could still feel heavy on very oily skin even though the extract itself is non-comedogenic.

Summary

Pouzolzia Pentandra Extract is used in cosmetics for one core purpose: skin conditioning. Its natural sugars and flavonoids sit on the surface of the skin, bind moisture and help calm visible redness which leaves the complexion feeling soft and looking refreshed. The ingredient is still a quiet player rather than a headline act, appearing mostly in niche soothing serums and sheet masks rather than in mainstream best-sellers.

Current data points to a high margin of safety with only rare reports of irritation. Even gentle botanicals can surprise sensitive skin, so it is wise to patch test any new product that lists Pouzolzia Pentandra Extract before applying it to a larger area.

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