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Botanical Extract

Pycnogenol (Pine Bark Extract)

A patented French maritime pine bark extract with exceptionally high antioxidant activity — studied for hyperpigmentation, photoprotection, and skin elasticity.

AntioxidantBrighteningAnti-agingAnti-inflammatory
✓ Safe
Comedogenic Rating
0/5
Irritation Potential
0/5

What is it?

Pycnogenol is a registered trademark for a standardized extract from French maritime pine bark (Pinus pinaster), standardized to ≥65% procyanidins. It's distinct from generic pine bark extract and has proprietary clinical research behind it.

Antioxidant protection, hyperpigmentation reduction, skin elasticity improvement, anti-inflammatory, photoprotection support.

Key Benefits

✦
Hyperpigmentation Reduction
Clinical trials show pycnogenol reduces melasma and UV-induced hyperpigmentation through inhibition of tyrosinase and regulation of melanin transfer.
◈
Skin Elasticity
Studies using oral supplementation and topical application show improved skin elasticity and hydration, attributed to enhanced collagen and hyaluronic acid synthesis.
✧
Strong Antioxidant Activity
The procyanidins in pycnogenol scavenge reactive oxygen species with measured potency higher than vitamin C or E in some assays, protecting against oxidative stress.
◉
Photoprotection
Both oral and topical pycnogenol have demonstrated reductions in UV-induced erythema in controlled studies, making it a useful adjunct to sunscreen.

Suitable for

All skin typesHyperpigmentation concernsSun-damaged skinMature skinSensitive skin

Main Actions

✓ Antioxidant✓ Tyrosinase inhibitor✓ Anti-inflammatory✓ Collagen synthesis support
Oral vs topical

Many pycnogenol studies involve oral supplementation. Topical efficacy is also documented, but typically requires adequate concentration (≥0.5–1%) and stable formulation. It's most impactful as part of a broader antioxidant strategy.

CategoryBotanical Extracts

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Pycnogenol (Pine Bark Extract) do for skin?
Antioxidant protection, hyperpigmentation reduction, skin elasticity improvement, anti-inflammatory, photoprotection support.
Who should use Pycnogenol (Pine Bark Extract)?
Pycnogenol (Pine Bark Extract) is suitable for: All skin types, Hyperpigmentation concerns, Sun-damaged skin, Mature skin, Sensitive skin.
Are there any warnings about Pycnogenol (Pine Bark Extract)?
Many pycnogenol studies involve oral supplementation. Topical efficacy is also documented, but typically requires adequate concentration (≥0.5–1%) and stable formulation. It's most impactful as part of a broader antioxidant strategy.

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