What Is Celastrus Paniculatus Leaf/Flower/Seed Extract?
Celastrus paniculatus, often called intellect tree or black oil plant, is a woody climbing shrub native to India and Southeast Asia. The extract used in cosmetics can come from the plant’s leaves, flowers or, most commonly, its oil-rich seeds. These parts contain a mix of fatty acids such as oleic and linoleic acid along with smaller amounts of sterols and antioxidant compounds. Traditional Ayurvedic texts mention the plant for scalp and skin applications, and interest in its soothing properties led modern formulators to explore it for skin care.
To create the cosmetic grade extract, harvested plant material is dried, ground and subjected to cold pressing or gentle solvent extraction. The resulting oil or tincture is then filtered and standardized so that key fatty acids stay within a set range, ensuring consistent texture and performance in finished products.
Today the ingredient shows up in moisturizing creams, calming face masks, lightweight facial oils, after-sun lotions and anti-aging serums where a soft, cushiony skin feel is desired.
Celastrus Paniculatus Leaf/Flower/Seed Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Its primary role in formulas is straightforward yet valuable.
Skin conditioning: The blend of fatty acids helps reinforce the skin barrier which in turn boosts softness and flexibility. Regular use can leave the complexion feeling smoother and better hydrated while supporting overall comfort, making the extract a useful addition to products aimed at dry, tired or mature skin.
Who Can Use Celastrus Paniculatus Leaf/Flower/Seed Extract
This extract’s light yet nourishing fatty acid profile makes it a good match for most skin types, especially normal, dry or mature skin that craves extra softness. Combination skin typically tolerates it well too since the oil absorbs without leaving a greasy film. Very oily or severely acne-prone complexions might find richer formulas containing high amounts of the extract a bit heavy, so lighter emulsions or serums are preferable in those cases.
Because the ingredient is entirely plant derived it aligns with vegan and vegetarian lifestyles when used in products that are otherwise free of animal derivatives.
No data suggests the extract increases sun sensitivity so it is not considered a photosensitiser. Standard daily sunscreen habits are still recommended for overall skin health.
Research on topical use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is limited; no specific hazards are documented but hormonal shifts can make skin more reactive. This information is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should have a healthcare professional review any skin care product before use to be safe.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to Celastrus Paniculatus Leaf/Flower/Seed Extract vary from person to person. The issues listed below are only potential side effects and are unlikely for the average user when the ingredient is properly formulated and used as directed.
- Mild redness or itching in sensitive individuals
- Contact dermatitis in those allergic to plants from the Celastraceae family
- Breakouts or a heavy feel on very oily skin if used in high concentrations
- Stinging on compromised or freshly exfoliated skin
If any discomfort or irritation occurs discontinue use and seek guidance from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 2 out of 5. The extract contains a fair amount of oleic acid, which can be mildly pore clogging for some, but it is balanced by lighter essential fatty acids and used at relatively low levels in most formulas. On its own it sits in the low-to-moderate range, so most people will not notice a spike in clogged pores unless their skin is already very oily or congestion-prone.
Because of this middle-ground score, the ingredient is generally fine for those who are prone to acne or breakouts as long as the overall product is lightweight and well formulated. If a product is rich in several heavier oils along with Celastrus paniculatus, the combined load could tip it into pore-clogging territory, so texture matters.
Keep in mind that finished products can vary widely in concentration and supporting ingredients, which ultimately affects how comedogenic a formula feels on the skin.
Summary
Celastrus Paniculatus Leaf/Flower/Seed Extract is valued chiefly for skin conditioning. Its mix of fatty acids cushions the skin, strengthens the barrier and leaves a softer, smoother feel while minor antioxidant compounds help fend off daily stress. Those traits make it handy in creams, serums and masks aimed at dryness or signs of aging.
It is still a niche ingredient compared with staples like jojoba or argan oil, so you will spot it in select indie or Ayurvedic inspired lines rather than on every store shelf. That said its pleasant slip and plant-based story are earning it slow but steady attention among formulators looking for fresh sensorial oils.
Topically, the extract is considered safe for most users with low reports of irritation or sensitisation when used in standard cosmetic amounts. While issues are rare everyone’s skin is different so it is wise to patch test a new product containing this extract to confirm personal compatibility before applying it to the whole face.