What Is Dalbergia Latifolia Wood Extract?
Dalbergia latifolia, better known as Indian rosewood, is a hardwood tree native to the Indian subcontinent. When its richly colored timber is processed, small chips and shavings are left behind. These remnants are steeped in a solvent or water to pull out beneficial compounds such as flavonoids, tannins and natural oils. The resulting concentrate is Dalbergia Latifolia Wood Extract.
The timber has long been prized for fine furniture and musical instruments. Over time artisans noticed that workers handling the wood often had softer skin and hair that seemed less dry. Cosmetic chemists investigated and isolated the extract, then began adding it to personal care products in the past couple of decades.
Today manufacturers use controlled, food-grade solvents or supercritical CO2 to obtain a clean extract. After filtration and standardization, the liquid or powdered form is blended into product bases.
You will most likely find Dalbergia Latifolia Wood Extract in leave-in conditioners, hydrating shampoos, creamy face moisturizers, soothing after-sun lotions and revitalizing sheet masks.
Dalbergia Latifolia Wood Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This botanical brings two key functions to beauty formulas:
- Hair conditioning: The natural oils coat the hair shaft, helping it feel smoother and look shinier. This light film also reduces static and makes detangling easier.
- Skin conditioning: Flavonoids and tannins help support the skin’s moisture barrier. They leave the surface feeling soft and supple without a heavy or greasy afterfeel.
Who Can Use Dalbergia Latifolia Wood Extract
This extract is gentle enough for most skin types. Normal, dry and combination skin tend to appreciate its softening effect, while oily skin can still benefit because the finish is light and non greasy. Sensitive skin usually tolerates it well, though anyone with a known allergy to rosewood or other Fabaceae plants should proceed cautiously.
Because the ingredient is entirely plant derived and harvested from wood by products, it is suitable for both vegans and vegetarians. No animal derivatives or animal testing are required to obtain or process the extract.
Current data show no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the extract is used topically in cosmetic concentrations. This is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should have their healthcare provider review the full product ingredient list for peace of mind.
Dalbergia Latifolia Wood Extract is not known to cause photosensitivity, so daytime use does not require special sun precautions beyond normal SPF habits.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Individual responses can vary and the following points outline potential though uncommon reactions when the extract is applied to skin or hair. When properly formulated most users will experience only its conditioning benefits.
- Allergic contact dermatitis presenting as redness, itching or small bumps
- Mild stinging or warmth on very sensitive or compromised skin
- Flare up of existing fragrance allergy if the extract retains trace aromatic compounds
- Rare discoloration of very light hair if the formula contains high levels of natural pigments from the wood
If any of these effects occur discontinue use and seek advice from a qualified medical professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5. Dalbergia Latifolia Wood Extract is primarily composed of lightweight flavonoids, tannins and small amounts of natural oils that sit on the surface instead of clogging pores. These molecules are less likely to mix with sebum and form blockages, so the extract is considered very low on the comedogenic scale.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin, though overall formula composition still matters.
No notable interactions with common acne medications have been reported, and the extract does not tend to oxidize into pore-blocking residues over time.
Summary
Dalbergia Latifolia Wood Extract softens hair and skin by depositing a fine layer of plant oils that smooth rough cuticles and bolster the skin barrier. Its flavonoids offer light antioxidant support while tannins help the surface retain water so strands and skin feel conditioned without heaviness.
The ingredient is still something of a niche star, most often seen in specialty shampoos and mid-tier leave-on treatments rather than mass-market lines. As consumer interest in botanical actives grows it is gaining traction, especially among brands that highlight upcycled wood byproducts.
Topical use is considered low risk with only rare reports of irritation or allergy. As with any new cosmetic it is wise to patch test a product that contains this extract before full use, particularly if you have reactive skin.