Tabebuia Avellanedae 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 Tabebuia Avellanedae Bark Extract?

Tabebuia Avellanedae Bark Extract comes from the inner bark of the Tabebuia avellanedae tree, a tall flowering species native to South and Central America and often called pau d’arco. Traditional communities brewed the bark in teas for its soothing qualities, which caught the eye of formulators looking for plant based ingredients that calm and hydrate skin. Chemically the bark holds a mix of polyphenols, lapachol-type naphthoquinones and natural sugars that draw in water. To turn raw bark into a cosmetic grade extract, the material is cleaned, dried then macerated in a food-grade solvent like glycerin or water. The liquid is filtered and concentrated, yielding a stable solution that can be blended into finished products. You will most often see it listed on labels for leave-on moisturizers, hydrating masks, anti-aging serums and after-sun treatments where extra soothing and water binding power is desired.

Tabebuia Avellanedae Bark Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This botanical pulls double duty in skincare formulas:

  • Humectant: The natural sugars in the bark attract moisture from the environment and lock it into the upper layers of skin. This helps keep the complexion plump, comfortable and less prone to dryness or fine lines.
  • Skin conditioning: Antioxidant polyphenols and calming compounds help soften rough patches, reduce the look of irritation and leave skin feeling smooth and refreshed.

Who Can Use Tabebuia Avellanedae Bark Extract

This gentle humectant is generally suitable for all skin types, including dry, normal, combination, oily and sensitive complexions, because it hydrates without leaving a greasy film and contains calming antioxidants. Those with extremely reactive or allergy-prone skin should check the full ingredient list of any product to be sure there are no additional irritants, but the extract itself is not known to trigger common sensitivities.

Tabebuia Avellanedae Bark Extract is plant derived so it fits into vegan and vegetarian lifestyles when processed with animal-free solvents, which reputable cosmetic suppliers typically do.

No data suggest that topical use poses a problem for pregnant or breastfeeding women, yet research on this specific botanical in pregnancy is limited. This is not medical advice; anyone who is expecting or nursing should ask a healthcare professional before adding new skincare products.

The extract is not photo-sensitising, meaning it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. Standard daytime sun protection is still advised because UV damage happens independently of the ingredients you use.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Individual responses to topical Tabebuia Avellanedae Bark Extract can vary. The points below outline possible side effects, though they are uncommon when the ingredient is properly formulated and used as directed.

  • Localized redness or stinging
  • Mild itching or rash in people allergic to the Tabebuia genus or other Bignoniaceae plants
  • Contact dermatitis triggered by other ingredients in the same formula rather than the extract itself
  • Very rare discoloration or darkening of pre-existing skin lesions due to naturally occurring naphthoquinones

If you notice any of these reactions, stop using the product immediately and consult a medical professional.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0/5 — Tabebuia Avellanedae Bark Extract is a water-soluble humectant with no oils, waxes or heavy butters that could block pores. Its primary components are lightweight sugars and polyphenols that sit on the skin surface, attract moisture then rinse away easily. Because it does not leave an occlusive film or alter sebum flow, it is considered non-comedogenic.

Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.

As with any ingredient, overall pore-clogging risk depends on the full formula. A product packed with heavy silicones or fatty acids could still trigger congestion even if this extract itself scores a 0.

Summary

Tabebuia Avellanedae Bark Extract serves mainly as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent. Natural sugars draw water into the outer skin layers keeping the complexion plump and comfortable while antioxidant polyphenols soothe visible irritation and support a smoother feel.

It is not yet a household name like hyaluronic acid or aloe so you will spot it in niche hydration serums, clean beauty moisturizers and after-sun gels rather than every drugstore lotion.

Safety data show it is gentle for most users with a very low risk of irritation or pore clogging, though individual sensitivities are always possible. When trying any new product that contains this bark extract it is wise to perform a quick patch test first just to be safe.

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