Punica Granatum Pericarp Extract

Punica granatum (pomegranate) pericarp extract is used mainly as an antioxidant/astringent botanical, typically at low percentages, but it contains polyphenols/tannins that can be mildly irritating and drying on compromised barriers. Patch-test and real-world use data for botanical extracts show occasional irritation or contact dermatitis in reactive/eczema-prone individuals, especially in leave-on formulas or when combined with other actives. Given the variability of botanical composition and the higher risk in sensitive skin populations, a mild (0.4) score best reflects patient-safety expectations. Safety Notes: In mass-market leave-on skincare (creams/lotions/serums) and rinse-off cleansers, pomegranate pericarp extract is frequently used at trace to low levels (~0.001–0.1%) as an antioxidant/marketing botanical, often within multi-extract blends. More concentrated consumer-available “antioxidant” or “polyphenol” serums and masks use standardized pericarp extracts at higher active loading, typically ~0.5–3% and occasionally up to ~5% when the extract is formulated for topical use and color/odor/tannin astringency are managed. There is no specific FDA/EU maximum limit for this botanical extract, so the upper bound is constrained mainly by sensory, staining, and stability rather than regulation.