What it is
Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract is obtained from the fruit of the Japanese pepper plant, a relative of Sichuan pepper. In skincare it is used as a botanical conditioning ingredient, often as part of soothing or comfort-oriented blends. In sunscreens it appears as a minor plant extract rather than as an active sun filter.
Safety & warnings
As an aromatic pepper-family botanical, this extract may not suit very reactive or sensitive skin, and patch testing is reasonable for those prone to irritation from spice-derived plant extracts. It is typically used at low levels in finished formulas.
Origin & sourcing
Natural; a plant extract prepared from the fruit of Zanthoxylum piperitum, often in a water or glycol base.
Questions everyone asks
What plant does this extract come from?
It comes from the fruit of Zanthoxylum piperitum, the Japanese pepper plant, a relative of Sichuan pepper.
Is it a sunscreen active?
No. It is a botanical conditioning and soothing additive and does not provide UV protection.