Arachis Hypogaea Fruit Extract is a botanical skin-conditioning agent derived from the peanut. It functions primarily as an emollient and antioxidant, providing essential fatty acids and polyphenols to support the skin barrier.
- INCI Name:
- Arachis Hypogaea (Peanut) Fruit Extract
- Chemical/Scientific Name:
- Arachis Hypogaea Fruit Extract
- Common Aliases:
- Peanut Extract, Groundnut Extract
| Category: | Softeners |
| Source Origin: | Plant-based (Arachis hypogaea) |
| Comedogenic Rating: | 2 (Low-Moderate) |
| Primary Industries: | Cosmetics, Skincare, Personal Care |
| Solubility: | Water-dispersible or glycerin-soluble (depending on extraction method) |
At a Glance: Properties & Effects
| Hydration/Moisture | |
| Soothing/Calming | |
| Barrier Repair | |
| Irritation Risk |
Primary Benefits:
- Replenishes essential lipids in the stratum corneum.
- Provides antioxidant protection against environmental oxidative stress.
- Improves skin softness and suppleness through emolliency.
Potential Risks:
- Type I hypersensitivity risk for individuals with known peanut allergies.
- Potential for mild comedogenicity in oily or acne-prone skin types.
Biological Action & Cosmetic Profile
Peanut-derived extracts contain a complex assembly of lipids, proteins, and secondary metabolites. The lipid fraction is particularly rich in Oleic Acid and Linoleic Acid, which are fundamental components of the skin’s natural moisture barrier. These fatty acids integrate into the intercellular lipid matrix, preventing trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) and maintaining structural integrity.Antioxidant capacity is another hallmark of this botanical extract. The fruit and its surrounding skin are natural sources of Resveratrol and Tocopherol. These compounds neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by UV exposure and pollution, thereby mitigating premature signs of photoaging. While the oil version is purely lipidic, the fruit extract often contains water-soluble fractions including minerals and amino acids that contribute to humectant properties.Physical texture enhancement occurs when the extract is formulated into creams and lotions. Its molecular structure allows it to smooth the skin surface, filling in microscopic gaps between desquamating corneocytes. This results in an immediate improvement in skin tactile smoothness without the heavy, occlusive feel of mineral waxes.
Broader Applications & Origins
Cultivation of Arachis hypogaea originated in South America and has since become a global agricultural staple. In cosmetic science, the extract is prized for its bio-affinity with human skin lipids. Beyond facial skincare, manufacturers frequently utilize this ingredient in body butters and hair conditioning treatments where high-performance emolliency is required.
Routine Integration
Synergies:
- Combines effectively with Glycerin to provide both humectancy and emolliency.
- Enhances the antioxidant profile of formulations containing Ascorbic Acid.
- Works well alongside Ceramide Np for comprehensive barrier restoration.
Conflicts:
- No known chemical incompatibilities with common cosmetic actives.
Clinical Consensus & Safety
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has evaluated peanut-derived ingredients and concluded they are safe for use in cosmetics, provided they are refined to remove the majority of protein fractions. A significant safety consideration involves the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) opinion (SCCS/1526/14), which recommends that peanut protein levels in cosmetic products should not exceed 0.5 ppm. This threshold is designed to minimize the risk of sensitization and allergic reactions in predisposed individuals. For the general population, the extract is considered non-irritating and non-sensitizing.
Is Arachis Hypogaea Fruit Extract safe for people with peanut allergies?
Individuals with a diagnosed peanut allergy should exercise caution. While highly refined extracts aim to remove allergenic proteins, trace amounts may remain. It is advisable to perform a patch test or consult an allergist before use.
Does this ingredient cause breakouts?
Arachis Hypogaea Fruit Extract has a low-to-moderate comedogenic rating. While it is generally well-tolerated, those with very oily or grade III/IV acne might find the lipid content too heavy for leave-on facial products.
What is the difference between peanut oil and peanut extract?
Peanut oil is the pure lipid fraction obtained by pressing. The fruit extract typically involves a solvent-based extraction (often using water, ethanol, or glycerin) that captures a broader range of the plant’s phytochemicals, including proteins and polyphenols, in addition to some lipids.