Paeonia Albiflora Flower: 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: July 1, 2025
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We verify all information on this page using publicly available nomenclature standards from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), the European Commission's CosIng database and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Paeonia Albiflora Flower?

Paeonia Albiflora Flower refers to the dried blooms of Paeonia albiflora, a white peony prized in East Asian gardens for centuries. The petals are naturally rich in flavonoids, paeoniflorin, tannins and fragrant volatile oils, a mix that gives the plant its soothing and antioxidant character. Traditional beauty rituals used peony petals to calm and brighten the complexion, a reputation that drew modern formulators to the ingredient during the rise of botanical skincare in the late twentieth century.

To prepare it for cosmetics, freshly harvested flowers are gently air-dried, milled into a fine powder then extracted with water, glycerin or gentle solvents. This process concentrates the beneficial molecules while leaving out most plant solids, resulting in a clear or pale-pink liquid or a soft powder that blends smoothly into creams and serums. You will most often spot Paeonia Albiflora Flower extract in hydrating masks, radiance boosting moisturizers, anti-aging serums and leave-on scalp or body treatments where a calm feel and subtle floral scent are welcome.

Paeonia Albiflora Flower’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

In formulas Paeonia Albiflora Flower acts as a skin conditioning agent, helping products leave skin feeling smooth, supple and refreshed. Its natural sugars support surface hydration, while antioxidants from flavonoids and paeoniflorin help defend against daily environmental stress that can dull or irritate the complexion. The result is a softer texture, a healthier looking glow and improved comfort for skin that feels tight or looks fatigued.

Who Can Use Paeonia Albiflora Flower

Paeonia Albiflora Flower extract is gentle enough for most skin types. Normal, dry, combination and oily skin can all benefit from its light hydrating feel while sensitive skin often appreciates its soothing nature. The only group that might need caution is anyone with a known allergy to peonies or other botanicals in the Paeoniaceae family because even mild plant extracts can trigger a flare in those cases.

The ingredient is entirely plant based and no animal derivatives are used during processing, so it fits vegan and vegetarian lifestyles.

Current research shows no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when Paeonia Albiflora Flower is used on the skin in cosmetic amounts. Still, safety data is limited and hormones can change skin reactivity, so this is not medical advice. Expecting or nursing mothers should check with their healthcare provider before adding any new product to their routine.

Paeonia Albiflora Flower does not make skin more prone to sunburn and can be worn during the day without added photosensitivity. It is compatible with most common skincare actives, including vitamin C, niacinamide and gentle exfoliating acids.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Side effects from topical Paeonia Albiflora Flower vary from person to person. The issues listed below are possible yet unlikely for most users when the ingredient is formulated and used as intended.

  • Allergic contact dermatitis – redness, swelling or itching in those sensitive to peony or related plants
  • Mild irritation – a temporary stinging or burning sensation on very reactive skin
  • Rash or hives – rare hive-like bumps in individuals with multiple botanical allergies
  • Eye discomfort – watering or stinging if a product containing the extract gets into the eyes

If any of these reactions occur stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1/5. Paeonia Albiflora Flower extract is primarily composed of water soluble antioxidants, sugars and trace aromatic compounds with virtually no heavy oils or waxes that could clog pores. Because it is light and non-greasy most people, including those prone to blackheads or inflamed breakouts, can use it without added risk of congestion. As with any ingredient, the overall formula matters; rich butters or occlusive silicones paired with the extract could still trigger blemishes in very oily skin.

Summary

Paeonia Albiflora Flower serves mainly as a skin conditioning agent that hydrates, soothes and defends skin from daily stress thanks to its mix of natural sugars, flavonoids, paeoniflorin and gentle tannins. These molecules bind moisture to the surface, calm visible redness and neutralize free radicals, leaving skin softer and more radiant.

While not yet a household name, the white peony is gaining quiet popularity in botanical face masks, brightening creams and scalp mists, especially within K-beauty lines that value traditional plant extracts.

Topical use is considered low risk for most people. Allergic reactions are uncommon and there is no evidence of hormonal, photosensitive or systemic concerns at cosmetic levels. Still, everyone’s skin is unique so it is smart to patch test any new product that lists Paeonia Albiflora Flower on the label before applying it more broadly.

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