What Is Aquilaria Crassna Stem Extract?
Aquilaria Crassna Stem Extract comes from the stems of Aquilaria crassna, a tree more widely known for producing agarwood. The stems are packed with natural resins, aromatic oils and soothing plant compounds like flavonoids that help soften and calm skin. For centuries the tree has been prized in Southeast Asia for incense and perfume; in recent years its stem extract has caught the attention of cosmetic chemists for its skin friendly properties.
To obtain the extract, harvested stems are cleaned then ground into small pieces. These pieces soak in a skin safe solvent or undergo gentle CO2 extraction to pull out the desirable oils and active molecules. The liquid is filtered and concentrated, giving a golden to amber extract that blends easily into creams and serums.
You will usually spot Aquilaria Crassna Stem Extract in moisturizers, soothing face masks, anti aging serums, after sun lotions and leave on treatments aimed at boosting softness and comfort.
Aquilaria Crassna Stem Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This plant extract brings a blend of feel good and skin loving perks to beauty formulas.
- Skin Conditioning: Helps improve the overall look and feel of skin by adding a layer of nourishment that leaves the surface smoother and more supple.
- Emollient: Softens rough patches and fills in tiny gaps in the skin’s surface which locks in moisture and gives a velvety finish.
Who Can Use Aquilaria Crassna Stem Extract
This gentle botanical works well for most skin types including normal, dry, oily and combination because it conditions without leaving a heavy or greasy film. Sensitive skin usually tolerates it too thanks to its soothing plant compounds. Very acne-prone users should check how the full formula feels on their skin but the extract itself is not known to trigger breakouts.
Aquilaria Crassna Stem Extract is plant-derived so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. No animal by-products are used in harvesting or processing the stems.
There is no evidence that the ingredient poses special risks during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Still this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should ask their healthcare provider before adding new skincare products.
The extract does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight so there is no added risk of photosensitivity. It also plays nicely alongside common actives like niacinamide, peptides and gentle plant oils.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Aquilaria Crassna Stem Extract are rare but everyone’s skin is different. The following list covers potential side effects that could occur even though most users will not experience them when the ingredient is formulated and used properly.
- Mild redness or irritation
- Itching or stinging on very sensitive skin
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals allergic to Aquilaria species
- Clogged pores if used in an excessively heavy formula on skin prone to congestion
If any of these issues occur discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
Aquilaria Crassna Stem Extract carries very little of the thick waxes and long-chain fatty acids that usually clog pores. Its main components are lightweight aromatic resins and soothing flavonoids that sit lightly on skin so they rarely block follicles. This low-oil, high-antioxidant profile keeps the chance of breakouts minimal.
Suitable for acne-prone or congestion-prone skin, provided the rest of the formula is also non-comedogenic.
No additional concerns about pore clogging have been reported in the scientific or consumer literature.
Summary
Aquilaria Crassna Stem Extract conditions and softens skin by depositing a thin veil of plant oils and flavonoids that smooth rough texture, support the skin barrier and help calm visible redness. Its emollient nature fills micro-gaps on the surface, trapping moisture and leaving a supple feel without heavy residue.
While not yet a household name, the extract is showing up in more niche moisturizers, calming serums and luxury masks thanks to its sensory appeal and gentle performance. Formulators appreciate that it delivers silkiness without greasiness.
Overall it is considered safe for topical use with a low risk of irritation or pore clogging. As with any new skincare ingredient it is smart to do a quick patch test before full-face application, especially if you have very sensitive or reactive skin.