What it is
This oil is expressed from the seeds of Pongamia glabra (also known as Millettia pinnata), a tree native to South and Southeast Asia. In cosmetics it functions as an emollient that softens and conditions the skin, and it naturally contains flavonoid compounds such as karanjin and pongamol. It is sometimes promoted for these intrinsic constituents in addition to its skin-feel benefits.
Safety & warnings
As a plant oil it is generally well tolerated, though any botanical oil can rarely sensitize susceptible individuals; comedogenicity data are limited, so people prone to clogged pores may wish to take that into account.
Origin & sourcing
Natural oil cold-pressed or solvent-extracted from the seeds of the pongam (karanja) tree.
History
Pongamia oil has a long history of traditional use in South Asia, including as a lamp oil and in folk preparations.
Questions everyone asks
Where does pongamia glabra seed oil come from?
It is pressed from the seeds of the pongam, or karanja, tree native to South and Southeast Asia.
What does it do in a sunscreen?
It works as an emollient that softens and conditions the skin and contributes naturally occurring flavonoid compounds.