Pinus Thunbergii Leaf 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
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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 Pinus Thunbergii Leaf Extract?

Pinus Thunbergii Leaf Extract is derived from the needles of the Japanese black pine, a hardy coastal tree long valued in East Asia for its resilience and vitality. The leaves are naturally rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenes and trace minerals that act as antioxidants and soothing agents when applied to skin. Interest in those bioactive compounds led formulators to explore the plant in the early 2000s as consumers looked for botanical alternatives to synthetic additives.

To produce the extract, freshly harvested or carefully dried needles are milled, then soaked in a food grade solvent such as glycerin or ethanol. The mixture is gently heated or left to macerate before being filtered, concentrated and standardized for consistent potency. The finished liquid or powdered extract blends easily into water or oil phases, letting chemists add it late in the manufacturing process to protect its volatile components.

You will most often spot Pinus Thunbergii Leaf Extract in refreshing toners, hydrating serums, calming sheet masks, anti-aging creams, after-sun gels, lightweight moisturizers and even scalp lotions aimed at soothing irritation.

Pinus Thunbergii Leaf Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

In topical formulas this ingredient serves one primary role that delivers several practical advantages for everyday skin care.

Skin conditioning: The extract deposits a thin, breathable layer of antioxidants and humectants on the surface of the skin, helping it feel softer, smoother and more supple. Its natural polyphenols can neutralize free radicals generated by UV light and pollution, which supports a healthier looking complexion over time. At the same time, its calming terpenes can reduce the appearance of redness, making the extract a welcome addition to products designed for sensitive or post-treatment skin.

Who Can Use Pinus Thunbergii Leaf Extract

This extract is generally gentle enough for all skin types, including dry, normal, combination and oily skin. Its lightweight texture will not clog pores so even those who are prone to breakouts can usually enjoy it without worry. People with very sensitive or reactive skin tend to tolerate it well thanks to its soothing compounds, though any formula can differ in strength and supporting ingredients.

Because the ingredient comes from a plant source and no animal derivatives are used in the harvesting or extraction steps, it is suitable for both vegans and vegetarians.

Prenatal and nursing skin can be more reactive. Current research shows no specific risk linked to external use of Pinus Thunbergii Leaf Extract, but this is not medical advice. Anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding should show the full ingredient list of any product to a qualified healthcare professional before applying it, just to be safe.

The extract does not increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight, so it is not considered phototoxic. Standard daytime protection with sunscreen is still recommended for overall skin health.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Skin reactions differ from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects that could occur with topical use of Pinus Thunbergii Leaf Extract, though they are uncommon when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.

  • Mild stinging or tingling
  • Temporary redness
  • Itchiness or a light rash in very sensitive individuals
  • Allergic contact dermatitis in the rare event of a pine allergy

If any of these reactions develop, stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist for guidance.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1/5

Pinus Thunbergii Leaf Extract is largely water based and contains minimal residual oils or heavy waxes, so it rarely lingers in pores or blocks follicular openings. Most published assessments and formulator feedback place pine needle extracts at the very low end of the scale for clogging potential. A rating of 1 reflects that low risk while acknowledging that any botanical can behave differently if delivered in a very rich or occlusive carrier.

Because of this low score the ingredient is generally considered suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.

If the extract sits in a formula loaded with thicker plant butters or comedogenic oils, the final product’s overall rating could be higher even though the extract itself remains non-problematic.

Summary

Pinus Thunbergii Leaf Extract conditions the skin by laying down a light veil of antioxidants, humectants and calming terpenes that soften texture, soothe visible redness and protect against daily environmental stress. These benefits come from its naturally high polyphenol content and trace minerals that neutralize free radicals while supporting the skin’s moisture balance.

Although not as mainstream as green tea or centella, this pine-derived ingredient has been gaining quiet popularity in refreshing toners, after-sun gels and sensitive skin treatments, especially in East Asian and clean beauty lines.

Topical use is viewed as very safe with irritation reports remaining rare. Still, every complexion is unique so it is smart to perform a quick patch test when trying any new product that contains Pinus Thunbergii Leaf Extract.

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