Peumus Boldus Leaf Extract

Also known as: Boldo Leaf Extract

INCI: Peumus Boldus Leaf Extract | Function: Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning | Type: Plant extract (Monimiaceae family, boldo)

What Is Peumus Boldus Leaf Extract?

Extract from Peumus boldus (boldo), an evergreen tree native to Chile. Boldo leaves are rich in alkaloids (boldine), flavonoids, and essential oils (ascaridole, cineole). Boldine is the primary active compound with demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective properties. In cosmetics, valued for antioxidant and skin-conditioning benefits. Note: ascaridole content requires careful processing — it can be toxic at high concentrations.

Key Skin Benefits

+ Antioxidant — boldine neutralizes free radicals and protects skin cells
+ Anti-inflammatory — helps calm skin irritation
+ Skin conditioning — provides softening benefits
+ Traditional Chilean herbal medicine — long history of medicinal use

Pros

+ Boldine is a well-researched natural antioxidant
+ Unique Chilean botanical — point of difference in formulation
+ Good free radical scavenging activity
+ Sustainably harvestable from South American forests

Cons

− Ascaridole content — potential toxicity at high concentrations
− Must use refined/low-ascaridole extracts for safety
− Limited cosmetic-specific safety data
− May cause skin sensitization at high levels
− Regulatory restrictions in some regions due to ascaridole

Specifications

Property	Value
Usage Areas	Face, Body
Product Type	Leave-On, Rinse-Off
Source	Plant
Natural Level	Natural

Safety Ratings

Metric	Rating
Skin Sensitivity	3/5 (moderate-high — ascaridole content)
Comedogenic Rating	0-1/5
EWG Score	3/10

Regional Regulatory Limits

Region	Leave-on %	Rinse-off %	Status
EU (CosIng)	No limit	No limit	Allowed — ascaridole restrictions per IFRA
US (CIR/FDA)	No limit	No limit	Allowed
Japan (MHLW)	No limit	No limit	Allowed
ASEAN	No limit	No limit	Allowed — follows EU
China (NMPA)	No limit	No limit	Allowed — listed in IECIC

Typical Usage % by Product Type

Product Type	Typical %
Antioxidant serum	0.05–1%
Soothing cream	0.1–2%

References

O'Brien P et al. (2006) — Boldine antioxidant and cytoprotective properties. PMID: 16503755
Speisky H et al. (1991) — Antioxidant activity of boldine. PMID: 1911599
EU CosIng Database. https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/
Tisserand R, Young R — Essential Oil Safety (boldo).

← Back to Skinpedia