Pongamia Glabra Seed Extract — INCI reference

What it is

Pongamia Glabra Seed Extract is derived from the seeds of Pongamia glabra (synonym: Millettia pinnata or Pongamia pinnata), a legume tree in the Fabaceae family native to eastern and tropical Asia and the Pacific. The extract contains bioactive flavonoids including karanjin, pongamol, and pongaglabrone, along with terpenes and fatty acids. In cosmetic formulations it provides skin and hair conditioning benefits and functions as an antioxidant, helping to counter environmental stress on skin. Research has demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity attributed to modulation of eicosanoid signaling pathways. The extract has a long history in Ayurvedic medicine for skin conditions. It is listed in the EU CosIng database for cosmetic use. No GHS hazard classifications apply; standard regulatory testing has shown no signs of corrosivity, irritation, or skin sensitization.

Safety & warnings

Karanjin and pongamol, bitter flavonoids present in the seeds, are toxic if ingested, but these compounds are typically present at low levels in cosmetic extracts intended for topical use only. Standard regulatory toxicity testing has found no signs of skin corrosivity, irritation, eye irritation, or skin sensitization for the extract. No established allergen warnings exist for topical cosmetic use. Individuals with legume (Fabaceae) allergies may wish to exercise caution as a precaution, though cross-reactivity data is limited.

Origin & sourcing

The extract is obtained from seeds of Pongamia glabra (also known as Pongamia pinnata or Millettia pinnata), a tree native to eastern and tropical Asia, Australia, and the Pacific islands. Seeds contain 27–39% oil along with flavonoids and proteins. The extract is typically produced by solvent or cold-press extraction of the seeds, which yield a dark oil with characteristic bitter compounds. The tree has been cultivated across South and Southeast Asia for centuries.

History

Pongamia glabra has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years, particularly for skin diseases, and is referenced in ancient Indian medicinal texts. Modern cosmetic industry registration of the INCI name Pongamia Glabra Seed Extract is recorded in the EU CosIng database. Scientific interest in its anti-inflammatory properties was documented in peer-reviewed literature from the 1990s onward. The species has also attracted attention as a biodiesel feedstock in the 2000s–2010s, spurring additional phytochemical research.

Questions everyone asks

What plant does Pongamia Glabra Seed Extract come from?

It comes from Pongamia glabra, also known as Pongamia pinnata or Millettia pinnata, a legume tree commonly called karanja or Indian beech. The tree is native to eastern and tropical Asia and the Pacific islands.

What does Pongamia Glabra Seed Extract do in skincare products?

It functions primarily as a skin and hair conditioner and antioxidant. The flavonoids it contains, including karanjin and pongamol, contribute antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to protect skin from environmental stress.

Is Pongamia Glabra Seed Extract safe for topical use?

Standard regulatory safety tests have shown no signs of corrosivity, irritation, eye irritation, or skin sensitization. It is listed in the EU CosIng database for cosmetic use. The toxic compounds in raw seeds (karanjin, pongamol) are present at low levels in cosmetically formulated extracts for top

What is the difference between Pongamia Glabra Seed Extract and Pongamia Glabra Seed Oil?

The seed oil is a fixed lipid oil expressed from the seeds, rich in oleic acid and used as an emollient. The seed extract is a broader preparation capturing flavonoids, terpenes, and other bioactives alongside lipid components, typically produced by solvent extraction.

Sources & references

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