Pycnogenol — Allergy Risk & Safety Profile
INCI: PINUS PINASTER BARK EXTRACT
Key Facts
- CAS Number
- 90082-34-7
- Category
- antioxidant
- Risk Level
- low
- Common Allergen
- No
- Found In
- serum, anti-aging cream
Is Pycnogenol safe in cosmetics?
Pycnogenol is rated low risk in cosmetic products. It is not classified as a common allergen and is generally well-tolerated by most skin types. Commonly found in serum, anti-aging cream.
What is Pycnogenol?
Pycnogenol is a antioxidant commonly used in cosmetic and personal care products. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics at recommended concentrations.
Allergy & Safety Information
Pycnogenol is considered safe for cosmetic use at typical concentrations.
This ingredient is considered low risk from an allergenicity perspective. Reactions are uncommon at typical cosmetic use concentrations. However, no ingredient is universally safe — if you notice redness, itching, or irritation after using a product containing this ingredient, discontinue use and monitor whether symptoms resolve.
About Antioxidant Ingredients
Antioxidants neutralise free radicals generated by UV radiation, pollution, and metabolic processes, preventing oxidative damage to skin cells and the product formula itself. Common cosmetic antioxidants include tocopherol (vitamin E), ascorbic acid (vitamin C), BHT, and plant-derived polyphenols.
Relevance for Pycnogenol: Most antioxidants are well-tolerated, but some — particularly propyl gallate, BHA (butylhydroxyanisole), and certain plant-derived polyphenols — are recognised contact allergens. Vitamin E (tocopherol) allergy, while uncommon, is occasionally identified in patch testing.
How to Identify Pycnogenol in Products
Cosmetic ingredients are listed by their INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) name in descending order of concentration. To check whether a product contains Pycnogenol, scan the ingredient list for its INCI name exactly as it appears above. Ingredients present at 1% or less may appear in any order after the 1% threshold.
Product types to prioritise checking: Serum, Anti-aging cream. These product categories are the most common sources of Pycnogenol exposure based on formulation data.
Not sure if your products contain Pycnogenol? Paste the ingredient list into the free ingredient checker to scan for Pycnogenol and other allergens automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pycnogenol safe for sensitive skin?
Pycnogenol is generally well-tolerated, even by sensitive skin.
What products contain Pycnogenol?
Pycnogenol is commonly found in serum, anti-aging cream.
What does Pycnogenol do in cosmetics?
Pycnogenol functions as a antioxidant in formulations.
Related Guides
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