What it is
This extract is derived from the root of Paeonia suffruticosa, the tree peony, a plant with a long history of use in East Asian herbal traditions. In cosmetics it is valued as a conditioning and soothing botanical and appears frequently in Japanese and Korean sunscreen formulas. It is generally used at low concentrations and supplied as an aqueous or glycol-based extract.
Safety & warnings
As a botanical extract it may rarely cause sensitization in people prone to plant allergies. It is used at low levels and is generally well tolerated in leave-on formulas.
Origin & sourcing
Natural; a plant extract prepared from the root of Paeonia suffruticosa (tree peony), typically as a water or glycolic extract.
History
The tree peony has been cultivated in East Asia for centuries, and its root bark has a long history in traditional Chinese and Japanese herbalism, from which its modern cosmetic use derives.
Questions everyone asks
What is tree peony root extract used for in sunscreen?
It is included as a conditioning and soothing botanical, often supporting the calming positioning of Japanese and Korean formulas, rather than for UV protection.
Is it a fragrance ingredient?
No. It is a plant extract used for skin conditioning, not a fragrance, though formulas may contain separate fragrance components.