What Is Arachis Hypogaea Fruit Extract?
Arachis Hypogaea Fruit Extract comes from the humble peanut, a legume native to South America that has been cultivated for thousands of years. The fruit is rich in nourishing fatty acids such as oleic and linoleic acid, along with proteins, vitamins E and B, minerals, sterols and naturally occurring antioxidants. These skin-loving components sparked interest among formulators in the mid-20th century when plant oils and nut extracts began replacing heavier mineral oils in beauty products.
To obtain the extract, shelled peanuts are cleaned, finely ground and then subjected to cold pressing or mild solvent extraction to separate the oil-rich fraction. The resulting liquid is filtered and sometimes gently refined to remove allergens and impurities while preserving the beneficial compounds. No synthetic additives are necessary, which keeps the extract close to its natural state.
You will spot Arachis Hypogaea Fruit Extract in a wide range of products: daily moisturizers, body lotions, nourishing masks, anti-aging creams, lip balms, hair conditioners and leave-in treatments. Its versatility and skin-friendly profile make it a go-to ingredient whenever a formula calls for softening hydration without a greasy afterfeel.
Arachis Hypogaea Fruit Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multitasker plays two main roles in beauty formulas
- Skin Conditioning: The blend of fatty acids and antioxidants forms a lightweight, breathable film on the skin that helps lock in moisture, smooth rough patches and support a healthy barrier for softer more supple skin
- Hair Conditioning: When applied to hair the extract coats the strands, reducing friction and frizz while adding shine and manageability without weighing hair down
Who Can Use Arachis Hypogaea Fruit Extract
Arachis Hypogaea Fruit Extract is generally suitable for most skin types. Its lightweight fatty acids make it a welcome addition for dry, normal and mature skin that craves extra softness while its non-greasy feel works for combination skin as well. Oily skin can also benefit from its barrier support as long as the overall formula is non-comedogenic. Anyone with a known peanut allergy or a history of severe nut reactions should avoid products containing this extract because even refined forms may contain trace proteins that trigger irritation or an allergic flare-up.
The ingredient is plant-derived and involves no animal by-products so it aligns with vegan and vegetarian lifestyles.
Pregnant or breastfeeding users have no specific restrictions tied to this extract when it is applied topically. That said, this is not medical advice and expectant or nursing mothers should check with a healthcare professional before adding new skincare to their routine.
Arachis Hypogaea Fruit Extract does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and there is no evidence of it interfering with common active ingredients or medications. Its mild nature lets it pair well with most routines.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to the topical use of Arachis Hypogaea Fruit Extract differ from person to person. The following is a list of potential side effects although most users will not experience any of them when using a properly formulated product.
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals with peanut allergy
- Mild redness or itching on very sensitive skin
- Rare clogged pores in those highly prone to comedones if the final formula is heavy or occlusive
Discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider if any irritation or unexpected reaction occurs.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 2/5. The extract is rich in oleic and linoleic acids that sink in easily but can be mildly occlusive on very oily complexions. Most people will not notice clogged pores, yet those with highly acne-prone skin might want to monitor how their skin responds. Peanut proteins are largely removed during processing, so breakouts related to inflammation rather than pore blockage are uncommon.
Suitable for acne-prone users in lightweight formulas, though ultra-oily or congested skin types may prefer a true non-comedogenic alternative.
Keep in mind that overall product design, additional oils and waxes and individual skin chemistry have a bigger impact on breakouts than this single ingredient.
Summary
Arachis Hypogaea Fruit Extract conditions skin by draping it in softening fatty acids that reinforce the natural barrier and slow water loss. On hair it smooths the cuticle to boost shine tame frizz and leave strands easier to manage. These benefits come from its balanced mix of oleic and linoleic acids plus antioxidant vitamin E.
Its popularity sits in the middle of the pack: loved by formulators for its feel yet skipped by some brands because of peanut allergy concerns. When sourced and refined well it is considered safe for topical use with the main caution being potential allergic reactions. As with any new skincare product it is wise to perform a quick patch test to rule out sensitivity before applying it more broadly.