Common Name(s): Procyanidins,french maritime pine bark extract,pine bark opc

CAS Number: N/a

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Protects collagen and elastin from free radical degradation while providing anti-inflammatory and brightening benefits.

Why It's Used: Clinically studied natural antioxidant complex with proven collagen protection, brightening, and anti-aging benefits from standardized pine bark extract.

How It Works: Opcs chelate iron/copper preventing metal-catalyzed fenton radical generation. inhibit collagenase and elastase enzymes protecting ecm. regenerate vitamins c and e. inhibit tyrosinase for brightening. anti-inflammatory via nf-kb inhibition.

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

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – pine bark proanthocyanidin

Secondary Functions: Collagen protection,enzyme inhibition,vitamin c regeneration

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–3%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – from pinus pinaster bark

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

Pycnogenol's inhibition of both collagenase and elastase (the enzymes that degrade collagen and elastin) addresses one of the primary mechanisms of ecm aging beyond free radical damage. opc's collagenase inhibition ic50 is 10-fold lower than egcg's – among the most potent natural collagenase inhibitors known.

Last Verified: Cosing database,saliou et al. pycnogenol clinical study,rohdewald pycnogenol review

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12