What it is
Tabebuia impetiginosa is a South American tree whose inner bark, traditionally called pau d'arco or lapacho, is the source of this extract. The bark contains naphthoquinone and other phenolic compounds, and the cosmetic extract is included as a conditioning, antioxidant-supporting botanical. In sunscreens it serves as a supportive plant ingredient and does not act as a UV filter.
Safety & warnings
Used at typical cosmetic levels the extract is generally well tolerated. As with other complex botanical extracts, sensitive individuals may occasionally react; it is not a recognized fragrance allergen.
Origin & sourcing
Obtained from the bark of the Tabebuia impetiginosa tree native to Central and South America, processed into a cosmetic extract.
Questions everyone asks
What is pau d'arco?
Pau d'arco is the common name for the inner bark of the Tabebuia impetiginosa tree, used in cosmetics as a conditioning botanical extract.
Does this extract provide sun protection?
No. It is a supportive antioxidant-conditioning botanical; the SPF in a product comes from its dedicated UV filters.