Phyllostachys Bambusoides Bark Extract: 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
Share:
Inside this article:

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 Phyllostachys Bambusoides Bark Extract?

Phyllostachys Bambusoides Bark Extract is a plant-derived ingredient taken from the bark of the giant timber bamboo, a tall grass native to East Asia. The bark is rich in natural pigments, minerals and small amounts of silica, all of which give it value in beauty formulas. Bamboo has a long tradition in Asian self-care rituals for its soothing and strengthening qualities, and modern labs began looking at the bark in the early 2000s as a greener alternative to synthetic colorants and conditioners.

To create the extract, the harvested bark is washed, dried and milled into a fine powder. It then goes through a gentle solvent extraction—often with water or a mix of water and food-grade alcohol—to pull out the desired compounds. The resulting liquid is filtered, concentrated and sometimes spray-dried into a powder again for easy use by cosmetic chemists.

You will spot Phyllostachys Bambusoides Bark Extract in a range of products such as sheet masks, hydrating gels, daily moisturizers, BB creams, hair conditioners and even some natural deodorants. Brands like it because it supplies a soft beige-to-brown tint while also leaving skin or hair feeling smooth and comfortable.

Phyllostachys Bambusoides Bark Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This bamboo bark extract serves more than one purpose in a formula, making it a handy pick for minimalist or eco-minded product lines.

  • Colorant – The natural pigments in the bark give products a warm, earthy hue. This can help tint creams, gels or masks without relying on synthetic dyes, which appeals to users who prefer plant-based color sources
  • Skin conditioning – Trace minerals and humectant sugars present in the extract help soften the skin surface and support a smoother feel. When blended into moisturizers or leave-on treatments, it can boost the overall comforting sensation and reduce tightness after cleansing

Who Can Use Phyllostachys Bambusoides Bark Extract

This bamboo bark extract is generally well tolerated by all skin types including dry, oily, combination and sensitive. It is lightweight and non-greasy so it will not overwhelm oily complexions, yet its humectant sugars add a touch of softness that dehydrated skin appreciates. People with very reactive or allergy-prone skin should still keep an eye on how their skin feels because any plant material can be a potential trigger for those with botanical allergies.

The ingredient is entirely plant derived and no animal by-products are used during harvesting or extraction which makes it suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

Current research shows no hormone-like activity and no known issues for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should have their doctor review the full product ingredient list before use just to be safe.

Phyllostachys Bambusoides Bark Extract is not known to cause photosensitivity so it will not increase the skin’s tendency to burn in sunlight. Standard daytime sun protection habits are still recommended when using any skincare routine.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Responses to topical Phyllostachys Bambusoides Bark Extract vary from person to person. The effects listed below are only potential reactions and are unlikely for most users when the ingredient is correctly formulated and used as directed.

  • Mild redness or stinging in those with very sensitive or compromised skin barriers
  • Allergic contact dermatitis for individuals allergic to bamboo or related grasses
  • Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes, especially in higher-pigment formulations such as masks

If any of these reactions occur stop using the product and seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 0 / 5

Phyllostachys Bambusoides Bark Extract is water based with negligible oil content so it does not clog pores. It mainly supplies minerals, sugars and natural pigment molecules that sit on the surface then rinse away easily. For this reason it earns a solid zero on the comedogenic scale.

Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.

No data suggest it worsens blackheads or whiteheads even at higher use levels. Formulas that pair the extract with heavy oils or waxes could still cause congestion so check the overall ingredient list rather than relying on a single component.

Summary

Phyllostachys Bambusoides Bark Extract works as a gentle colorant and skin conditioner. Its natural pigments lend creams and masks a soft earthy tint while minerals and humectant sugars help skin feel smooth and comfortable.

The extract shows up most often in clean beauty lines and K-beauty sheet masks, though it is still less common than mainstream botanical additives like aloe or green tea. Interest is growing as brands look for plant sources that can replace synthetic dyes.

Safety data are reassuring with very low irritation or allergy reports. Still, every skin is different so do a quick patch test when trying a new product that contains this extract.

Was this article helpful?
More from Glooshi:
ADVERTISEMENT
Get all our top headlines in beauty.
Delivered right to your inbox each week. Zero spam, all goodness, opt-out at anytime.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Get the latest beauty news, top product recommendations & brand-exclusive discount codes direct to your inbox.
Send good feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Send bad feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Search