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Botanical Extract

White Peony Root Extract (Bai Shao)

White peony (Paeonia lactiflora) root extract — a cornerstone TCM herb rich in paeoniflorin, albiflorin, and gallic acid delivering anti-inflammatory, brightening, antioxidant, and skin-calming benefits validated in modern dermatology research.

PaeoniflorinBrighteningAnti-InflammatoryTCM
✓ Safe
Comedogenic Rating
0/5
Irritation Potential
0/5

What is it?

A root extract of Paeonia lactiflora (Chinese peony), standardised for paeoniflorin content (typically 2–5%).

Brightening, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, calming, tyrosinase inhibition.

Key Benefits

✦
Paeoniflorin MITF inhibition
Downregulates MITF transcription factor — reducing melanin synthesis at the gene expression level for lasting brightening.
◈
Albiflorin UV-brightening
Reduces UV-induced melanogenesis specifically — effective in photoprotective and post-sun brightening formulations.
✧
Anti-inflammatory
Paeoniflorin exhibits anti-inflammatory activity via NF-κB and COX-2 suppression — calming reactive, rosacea-prone skin.
◉
Gallic acid antioxidant
Phenolic acid with potent antioxidant and tyrosinase-inhibiting properties that amplify paeoniflorin brightening effects.

Suitable for

HyperpigmentationSensitive skinReactive skinAll skin types

Main Actions

✓ Brightening✓ Anti-inflammatory✓ Antioxidant
Versus red peony

White peony (bai shao) and red peony (chi shao) are from the same plant but processed differently — bai shao is peeled and boiled (higher paeoniflorin), chi shao is raw (higher anthocyanins); both have distinct but complementary skin benefits.

CategoryBotanical Extracts

Frequently Asked Questions

What does White Peony Root Extract (Bai Shao) do for skin?
Brightening, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, calming, tyrosinase inhibition.
Who should use White Peony Root Extract (Bai Shao)?
White Peony Root Extract (Bai Shao) is suitable for: Hyperpigmentation, Sensitive skin, Reactive skin, All skin types.
Are there any warnings about White Peony Root Extract (Bai Shao)?
White peony (bai shao) and red peony (chi shao) are from the same plant but processed differently — bai shao is peeled and boiled (higher paeoniflorin), chi shao is raw (higher anthocyanins); both have distinct but complementary skin benefits.

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