What it is
Pongamia pinnata seed extract is obtained from the seeds of the pongam tree, a leguminous plant native to South and Southeast Asia and Australia. The seeds are a source of flavonoids such as karanjin and pongamol, and the extract is included in skincare and sunscreen products for skin-conditioning and antioxidant purposes. It is most often added at low levels as a botanical component of the overall formula.
Safety & warnings
As a botanical extract its tolerability depends on the solvent system and concentration used. It is not a recognized standardized fragrance allergen, though plant extracts can occasionally provoke sensitivity in predisposed individuals. Patch testing is reasonable for those with reactive skin.
Origin & sourcing
Natural, plant-derived. It is prepared from the seeds of Pongamia pinnata, a leguminous tree.
Questions everyone asks
What plant does this extract come from?
It comes from the seeds of Pongamia pinnata, the pongam or karanja tree, native to Asia and Australia.
What does it do in a sunscreen?
It is added as a skin-conditioning botanical with antioxidant character, typically at low levels.