What it is
Cinchona Succirubra Bark Extract is obtained from the bark of the cinchona tree, a source historically known for its bitter alkaloids. In cosmetic products it serves as a skin-conditioning botanical with astringent character and is sometimes included in scalp and hair preparations. It is typically present at low levels as a supporting plant extract.
Safety & warnings
At the low concentrations used in cosmetics it is generally well tolerated. Because the bark contains naturally bitter and astringent constituents, very sensitive or compromised skin may find it mildly irritating, so patch testing is reasonable.
Origin & sourcing
Plant-derived; extracted from the bark of Cinchona succirubra, a tree native to the Andean regions of South America and cultivated in tropical zones.
History
Cinchona bark is historically significant as the original natural source of quinine. Its use in cosmetics draws on this botanical tradition, applying the bark extract for conditioning purposes rather than for its medicinal alkaloids.
Questions everyone asks
What is cinchona bark known for?
Cinchona bark is historically the natural source of quinine. In cosmetics, the bark extract is used as a conditioning and astringent botanical rather than for any medicinal purpose.
What does it do in a sunscreen?
It acts as a supporting botanical extract for skin conditioning and is not a UV filter, so it does not contribute to sun protection.