What it is
Pongamol is a furanoflavone naturally present in the seed oil of Pongamia (karanja), a tree traditionally used in South Asia. In cosmetics it is used as a skin-conditioning ingredient and is of interest for its antioxidant and UV-light-absorbing molecular structure within a formula. It appears in some sunscreen and skincare products as a botanical-derived adjunct rather than as a regulated UV filter.
Safety & warnings
Pongamol is used at low levels as a minor formula component. As a botanical-derived molecule, tolerability data in cosmetics are limited, and people with sensitive skin may prefer to patch test products that contain it.
Origin & sourcing
Naturally occurring compound isolated from karanja (Pongamia) seed oil; can also be prepared synthetically.
Questions everyone asks
Where does pongamol come from?
It is a flavonoid-type compound found naturally in karanja (Pongamia) seed oil, a plant oil from South Asia.
Is pongamol a sunscreen filter?
It is used as a skin-conditioning and antioxidant ingredient, not as an approved UV filter in these markets.