Punica Granatum Sterols is derived from pomegranate seed oil by first heat sterilizing it and then fractionating to isolate the fraction rich in sterols. It is a white to light yellow waxy paste with a characteristic odor.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) analyzed the safety of phytosterols used in cosmetics, including Punica granatum (pomegranate) sterols. Pomegranate sterols, tested using a Neutral Red Cytotoxicity assay, were not cytotoxic to cells. In a repeat irritation assay, Punica Granatum Sterols tested negative for genotoxicity and was not irritating to scarified skin.
In addition, Pomegranate oil sterols were determined to be non-irritant in both the dermal and ocular categories, and there were no signs of sensitization or irritation in a human repeat insult patch test (HRIPT). Punica Granatum Sterols was tested using in vitro dermal and ocular irritation models. This product was found to be non-irritating in both models.
Punica Granatum Sterols is an excellent skin-smoothing ingredient with repair and antioxidant properties. It is a natural, safe, and effective ingredient for cosmetic applications and is used in dry skin creams, baby oils, barrier creams, and hair care products in a concentration range of 0.5-5.0%.