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Moumoujus

PIMENTA RACEMOSA LEAF/FRUIT OIL.

Questionable CAS 85085-61-6 / PERFUMING

Pimenta Racemosa Leaf/Fruit Oil, also known as West Indian Bay Oil, is a potent botanical extract recognized for its broad-spectrum antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. It also offers potential benefits in managing skin pigmentation through moderate tyrosinase inhibition.

Summary

perfuming antioxidant antimicrobial anti-inflammatory skin conditioning

Science

Mechanism of Action

This essential oil functions primarily through its high eugenol content, which actively inhibits microbial growth, helping to clarify skin and reduce blemish-related inflammation. As a robust antioxidant, it neutralizes free radicals, mitigating oxidative stress and contributing to anti-aging effects by supporting skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines. Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory action soothes irritated skin, while its moderate tyrosinase inhibitory activity suggests a role in addressing hyperpigmentation.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range In vitro studies demonstrated antimicrobial activity at concentrations ranging from 0.75 µL/mL to 20 µL/mL for various microorganisms.–Up to 400 µL/mL was used in some in vitro antimicrobial studies.%
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Inhibited the development of various microorganisms (in vitro antimicrobial activity) at 20-400 µL/mL.
  2. 02 Effective against *Fusarium oxysporum* (antifungal activity) at 0.75 µL/mL (MIC) and 1.25 µL/mL (MFC).
  3. 03 Showed good antiviral activity against herpes simplex type 1 virus (HSV-1) and moderate antiviral activity against herpes simplex type 2 virus (HSV-2).
  4. 04 Demonstrated significant antioxidant capabilities (e.g., FRAP: 1506.62 mg TE/g, ABTS: 1346.85 mg TE/g) when tested as an essential oil.
  5. 05 Exhibited moderate tyrosinase inhibitory activity (38.83 mg KAE/g), suggesting potential for skin pigmentation management.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

No information regarding dusting of this ingredient is available in the provided research data.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Requires protection from heat, open flames, sparks, and direct sunlight during storage to maintain its integrity.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Max tested
0.9%
Sensitization risk High

The pure essential oil is associated with hazard statements including H315 (Causes skin irritation), H317 (May cause an allergic skin reaction), H319 (Causes serious eye irritation), H341 (Suspected of causing genetic defects), and H351 (Suspected of causing cancer). Eugenol, a major component (up to 70.87%), is a known potential skin sensitizer, especially in dermatitis patients. The ingredient is rated 'HIGH' for allergies & immunotoxicity by EWG Skin Deep and is restricted in cosmetics within the EU due to allergen labeling requirements. It naturally contains Methyl Eugenol (up to 2.0%), for which IFRA and SCCNFP recommend very low maximum concentrations (0.0004% and 0.0002% respectively) in leave-on products. Despite these concerns, a 10% concentration was found to be neither irritating nor sensitizing in a human volunteer study on 25 individuals. The FDA classifies an extract (Pimenta acris Kostel) as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for food use.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy High
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Questionable

While offering compelling antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory benefits with potential for pigmentation management, its high sensitization risk and restrictive regulatory limits on key components necessitate extremely careful formulation and limited inclusion in precision skincare.

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