Rhus Glabra 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: June 30, 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 Rhus Glabra Bark Extract?

Rhus Glabra Bark Extract comes from the bark of Pennsylvania sumac, a hardy shrub native to much of North America and a member of the Anacardaceae family. The bark is naturally rich in tannins, especially gallotannins, along with smaller amounts of flavonoids and phenolic acids. These plant compounds give the extract its astringent feel and antioxidant activity. Indigenous peoples once used the bark to tan hides and create dye, and early herbalists prized it for its soothing skin effects. Modern cosmetic chemists began exploring the ingredient as consumers looked for botanical alternatives to synthetic astringents.

To make the extract, sustainably harvested bark is washed, dried then milled into a coarse powder. The powder is soaked in water or a mild alcohol water mix to pull out the tannins and other actives. After steeping, the liquid is filtered, concentrated and either spray dried into a fine powder or kept as a liquid solution. Manufacturers often standardize the final material to ensure a consistent tannin level for batch-to-batch reliability.

You will find Rhus Glabra Bark Extract in toners that aim to refine pores, clarifying masks, lightweight serums for oily or combination skin, anti-aging creams seeking natural antioxidants, aftershave lotions, scalp soothing sprays and even some plant-based deodorants.

Rhus Glabra Bark Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

In skin care formulas this ingredient serves mainly as a skin conditioning agent. Its natural tannins create a gentle tightening sensation that can make skin feel smoother and look more refined while also helping to balance surface oil. The antioxidant flavonoids support the skin’s defense against environmental stress, and the overall composition offers a mild soothing effect that is useful in products designed for sensitive or freshly shaved skin.

Who Can Use Rhus Glabra Bark Extract

Most skin types can benefit from this botanical. Oily and combination skin often appreciate its gentle astringent action that helps reduce surface shine while normal skin enjoys the light smoothing feel. Dry or very sensitive complexions can use it too but may wish to pair it with richer moisturizers since the tannins can feel a little drying if applied in high concentrations or layered with other strong actives.

The extract is completely plant derived with no animal by-products so it suits both vegans and vegetarians. It is also typically produced by brands that follow cruelty-free standards.

No research indicates that topical Rhus Glabra Bark Extract poses special risks during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Still this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run any skincare product they plan to use past a doctor just to be on the safe side.

The ingredient does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and has no known photo reactive compounds. It is generally compatible with most other common skincare ingredients such as niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and gentle exfoliating acids.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Responses to topical Rhus Glabra Bark Extract vary from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects which are unlikely for the average user when the ingredient is correctly formulated.

  • Mild stinging or temporary tightness in very sensitive or freshly exfoliated skin
  • Dryness or flaking if used in high percentages on already dry skin
  • Redness or irritation for individuals allergic to sumac or other members of the Anacardiaceae family
  • Rare contact dermatitis due to trace natural resins even though the bark is processed to remove most sensitizers

If you experience any troubling reaction stop using the product and consult a qualified healthcare professional for guidance.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1 / 5

Rhus Glabra Bark Extract is mostly composed of water-soluble tannins and antioxidants with very little oil or wax content, so it is unlikely to obstruct pores. Its mild astringent action can even help keep pores feeling tighter and cleaner, which further reduces the chance of congestion. This makes it a good option for people prone to acne or frequent breakouts.

Because the extract is usually used at low concentrations in toners, serums or light lotions, the overall formula rarely becomes heavy or occlusive. Only when blended into thick balms alongside comedogenic oils would the clogging risk rise.

Summary

Rhus Glabra Bark Extract functions mainly as a skin-conditioning agent that offers gentle astringency, antioxidant support and light soothing properties. The tannins give a tightening feel that can refine the look of pores while flavonoids and phenolic acids help neutralize free radicals and calm the skin.

Although not as famous as green tea or witch hazel, this sumac bark extract is gaining quiet popularity among brands looking for locally sourced botanical actives with a clean label story. You will mostly spot it in indie or natural-leaning formulas aimed at oily or combination skin.

Topical use is considered low-risk for the average person with only rare reports of irritation. As with any new skincare ingredient, it is wise to patch test a product before applying it to larger areas especially if you have reactive or allergy-prone skin.

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