What it is
Bombax malabaricum is a large tropical tree, also known as the red silk cotton tree, whose showy flowers yield an extract containing polyphenols, flavonoids, and mucilaginous components. In cosmetics it is used as a conditioning and soothing botanical that can also contribute mild antioxidant character. In sun-care formulas it typically appears at low levels as a supportive plant extract.
Safety & warnings
As a flower extract it is generally well tolerated, though any botanical carries a small chance of sensitivity in predisposed individuals. There is limited published comedogenicity data, but it is not regarded as a notably pore-clogging ingredient.
Origin & sourcing
Natural, derived from the flowers of the tropical Bombax malabaricum tree, native to South and Southeast Asia.
Questions everyone asks
What plant does this come from?
The flowers of Bombax malabaricum, the red silk cotton tree of South and Southeast Asia.
What is its role in a formula?
It serves as a conditioning and soothing botanical, not as a UV filter.