What it is
Acacia Catechu is a tree whose heartwood and bark yield catechu, a tannin- and catechin-rich material. The cosmetic extract is used for its conditioning and antioxidant-associated properties, and its polyphenol content can give mild astringent character. In sunscreens and serums it generally appears as a supporting botanical active.
Safety & warnings
Generally well tolerated at cosmetic levels. As a tannin-rich plant extract it can be mildly astringent and may rarely sensitize; it is not a comedogenic oil.
Origin & sourcing
Natural botanical extract derived from Acacia catechu, traditionally from the heartwood and bark of the tree.
History
Catechu has a long history of use in traditional South and Southeast Asian preparations and as a dye and tanning material, and the extract was later adopted in cosmetics as a polyphenol-rich botanical.
Questions everyone asks
What is Acacia Catechu Extract?
It is a botanical extract from the catechu tree, rich in catechins and tannins, used as a conditioning and antioxidant ingredient.
Why is it used in skincare?
Its polyphenol content provides antioxidant-associated and mildly astringent conditioning properties.