Pfaffia Paniculata Root Extract

Also known as: Brazilian Ginseng / Suma Root

INCI: Pfaffia Paniculata Root Extract | Function: Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning | Type: Plant extract (Amaranthaceae family, suma root)

What Is Pfaffia Paniculata Root Extract?

Root extract from Pfaffia paniculata (Brazilian ginseng/suma), a plant native to South America traditionally used as an adaptogen and general tonic. Contains pfaffosides (triterpenoid saponins), ecdysterone, germanium, and various minerals. Pfaffosides are structurally similar to ginsenosides from Panax ginseng. Research suggests antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and potential anti-aging properties. Popular in Brazilian natural cosmetics and increasingly in global adaptogenic skincare.

Key Skin Benefits

+ Antioxidant protection — pfaffosides and ecdysterone neutralize free radicals
+ Adaptogenic — helps skin adapt to environmental stressors
+ Anti-aging — may support collagen synthesis and skin firmness
+ Mineral-rich — provides germanium, zinc, and other trace minerals

Pros

+ Unique adaptogenic ingredient — differentiation opportunity
+ Rich in bioactive triterpenoid saponins (pfaffosides)
+ Traditional use in South American herbal medicine
+ Emerging trend — adaptogens in skincare are gaining popularity

Cons

− Limited large-scale clinical studies on topical cosmetic use
− Plant source variability — active compound content varies by region
− Sustainability concerns with wild harvesting
− Some traditional internal-use claims not validated for topical application

Specifications

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

Safety Ratings

Metric	Rating
Skin Sensitivity	1/5 (low)
Comedogenic Rating	0-1/5
EWG Score	1/10

Regional Regulatory Limits

Region	Leave-on %	Rinse-off %	Status
EU (CosIng)	No limit	No limit	Allowed
US (CIR/FDA)	No limit	No limit	Allowed — CIR safe as used
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 %
Anti-aging serum	0.1–2%
Adaptogenic cream	0.1–2%

References

Nishimoto N et al. (1984) — Pfaffosides from Pfaffia paniculata. PMID: 6543261
Mazzanti G et al. (1999) — Pharmacological properties of Pfaffia. PMID: 10668182
EU CosIng Database. https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/
INCIDecoder. https://incidecoder.com/

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