Common Name(s): Pomegranate extract,punica extract,pomegranate polyphenol

CAS Number: 84929-27-1

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides punicalagin-based exceptional antioxidant activity with anti-inflammatory and skin regeneration benefits.

Why It's Used: Highest-orac common fruit extract – punicalagins provide unmatched antioxidant activity alongside oestrogenic urolithins for anti-aging and barrier support.

How It Works: Punicalagins a and b (2x the antioxidant power of red wine) provide orac value ~10,000 μmol te/g. metabolized to urolithins by skin microbiome – urolithin a activates mitophagy for cellular anti-aging. ellagic acid inhibits tyrosinase for brightening. mild estrogenic activity via urolithin phytoestrogens.

Typically Found In: Premium antioxidant products,brightening formulas,anti-aging serums

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – antioxidant

Secondary Functions: Punicalagin orac,urolithin mitophagy

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–5%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – from punica granatum fruit

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Plant-derived extract or synthetic.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; well-tolerated.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Vitamin c,vitamin e,ferulic acid,spf,other antioxidants

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Pomegranate punicalagin's conversion to urolithin a by skin microbiome represents a remarkable prebiotic-probiotic relationship: the skin's resident bacteria metabolize the polyphenol precursor to create the bioactive urolithin that activates mitophagy (cellular mitochondrial quality control). this microbiome-dependent bioactivation means the same punicalagin extract has different anti-aging potency across individuals depending on their microbiome composition.

Last Verified: Cosing database,seeram et al. pomegranate punicalagin review

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12