Albizia Julibrissin 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 23, 2025
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All information on this page is verified using The Personal Care Products Council's (PCPC) INCI database. Our ingredient analyses are based exclusively on PCPC's technical data to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Albizia Julibrissin Bark Extract?

Albizia Julibrissin Bark Extract comes from the bark of the Falsa Mimosa tree, a flowering member of the pea family that grows across Asia and parts of the Middle East. The bark is rich in natural compounds like flavonoids, saponins and other polyphenols that help protect the plant from stress. Traditional herbal practices have valued the tree for hundreds of years, and modern cosmetic makers noticed that its bark offers soothing scent and skin-friendly properties.

To create the extract, the bark is harvested, dried and ground into a fine powder. The powder is then soaked in a food-grade solvent or water to pull out the active parts. After filtering and concentrating the liquid, the solvent is removed and the result is a brownish extract that can be mixed into creams, gels and serums.

You will often see Albizia Julibrissin Bark Extract in lightweight moisturizers, overnight masks, anti-aging serums, brightening eye creams and body lotions where a gentle touch of fragrance and skin conditioning is desired.

Albizia Julibrissin Bark Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

In skincare formulas this botanical offers two main roles:

  • Fragrance: Adds a mild sweet scent that can make a product more pleasant to use, reducing the need for heavier synthetic perfumes.
  • Skin conditioning: Helps soften and smooth the skin surface, supports a healthier skin feel and can improve the overall texture of a formula.

Who Can Use Albizia Julibrissin Bark Extract

This botanical is generally considered suitable for all skin types. Its lightweight texture makes it friendly for oily and combination skin while the soothing plant compounds can be comforting for normal and mildly sensitive skin. Very reactive or allergy-prone individuals should still read labels carefully since the extract has a light natural fragrance that could bother those extremely sensitive to scented ingredients.

Because the extract is entirely plant derived it fits vegan and vegetarian lifestyles. No animal by-products are involved in harvesting or processing the bark.

Current research shows no specific concerns for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the extract is used topically in standard cosmetic concentrations. That said this information is not medical advice. Anyone who is pregnant or nursing should review any new skincare product with their healthcare provider to be safe.

The extract does not make skin more prone to sunburn so it is not classed as photosensitising. As with any new ingredient be mindful of how your skin reacts when introducing a product that contains it.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Side effects from topical Albizia Julibrissin Bark Extract differ from person to person. The points below list potential reactions but most users will not experience them as long as the ingredient is properly formulated and used as intended.

  • Skin irritation such as stinging or burning on application
  • Redness or swelling in areas where the product is applied
  • Itchiness or mild rash linked to fragrance sensitivity
  • Allergic contact dermatitis in people sensitive to plants from the pea family
  • Worsened dryness or flaking if combined with very strong exfoliants or retinoids

If any of these effects occur stop using the product immediately and consult a qualified healthcare professional or dermatologist for guidance.

Comedogenic Rating

Albizia Julibrissin Bark Extract scores a 0–1 on the comedogenic scale. It is a largely water-based botanical with minimal oils or waxes so it does not clog pores on its own. Because it sits lightly on the skin and absorbs without leaving a greasy film it is generally safe for people who are prone to acne or breakouts. As always overall pore-clogging potential depends on the full formula, so pair it with low-comedogenic carriers if you are especially blemish-prone.

Summary

Albizia Julibrissin Bark Extract brings a gentle floral scent and skin-softening touch to cosmetics by delivering natural aromatic compounds and polyphenols that condition the surface of the skin. While not a headline ingredient like hyaluronic acid or vitamin C it is gaining quiet popularity in modern moisturizers, overnight masks and eye creams where formulators want a light plant-based fragrance booster that also feels good on the skin. Safety data show it is well tolerated for most users with only rare reports of irritation or allergy. As with any new skincare addition do a quick patch test to make sure your individual skin agrees with it before applying more broadly.

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