At ORY®, we believe you should know what’s in your products and why. This page lists the published research behind what we say about oak extract. Each section starts with our claim, then tells you how well the research supports it, then lists the sources so you can read them yourself.
How to read this page Supported — backed by peer-reviewed research or official safety reviews. Supported, with caveats — the research points this way, but mostly from laboratory or animal studies, or at different strengths than ORY® uses. Limited evidence — little or no published research yet. We say so openly. |
1. General Description and Role
Claim: Oak extract comes from the bark or wood of oak trees (Quercus species). It is rich in tannins, which give it a natural astringent feel. In ORY® products, it helps skin feel toned and look less oily. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. Reviews document oak’s tannin chemistry and its long traditional use as an astringent. Most research on its biological effects comes from laboratory and animal studies. We found no completed Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) safety assessment for oak extracts.
Citations:
- Taib, M., Rezzak, Y., Bouyazza, L., & Lyoussi, B. (2020). Medicinal uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities of Quercus species. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2020, 1920683. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/1920683
- What it shows: Review of the traditional uses, chemistry, and lab activity of oak species.
- Şöhretoğlu, D., & Renda, G. (2020). The polyphenolic profile of oak (Quercus) species: A phytochemical and pharmacological overview. Phytochemistry Reviews, 19, 1379–1426. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11101-020-09707-3
- What it shows: Review of the polyphenols found in oak.
- Taib, M., Rezzak, Y., Bouyazza, L., & Lyoussi, B. (2020). Medicinal uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities of Quercus species. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2020, 1920683. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/1920683
2. Composition and Production
Claim: Oak extract is made by extracting dried bark or wood with water or water and alcohol. Its main compounds are ellagitannins (such as castalagin and vescalagin), gallotannins, and catechins. |
Verification: Supported. The polyphenol profile of oak species is well documented.
Citations:
- Şöhretoğlu, D., & Renda, G. (2020). The polyphenolic profile of oak (Quercus) species: A phytochemical and pharmacological overview. Phytochemistry Reviews, 19, 1379–1426. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11101-020-09707-3
- What it shows: Describes the tannins and other polyphenols in oak.
- Şöhretoğlu, D., & Renda, G. (2020). The polyphenolic profile of oak (Quercus) species: A phytochemical and pharmacological overview. Phytochemistry Reviews, 19, 1379–1426. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11101-020-09707-3
3. Skin Type Suitability
Claim: Oak extract suits oily and combination skin. Dry or sensitive skin may find it drying. |
Verification: Limited evidence. We found no cosmetic clinical studies of oak extract by skin type. Suitability is based on its astringent tannin content.
Citations:
- Taib, M., Rezzak, Y., Bouyazza, L., & Lyoussi, B. (2020). Medicinal uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities of Quercus species. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2020, 1920683. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/1920683
- What it shows: Describes oak’s astringent properties.
- Taib, M., Rezzak, Y., Bouyazza, L., & Lyoussi, B. (2020). Medicinal uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities of Quercus species. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2020, 1920683. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/1920683
4. Hair and Scalp Suitability
Claim: In haircare, oak extract helps the scalp feel clean and less oily. |
Verification: Limited evidence. We found no clinical studies of oak extract on the scalp. Oak is not an FDA-approved dandruff ingredient, and ORY® haircare products are not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions.
Citations:
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR Part 358, Subpart H — Drug products for the control of dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-358/subpart-H
- What it shows: FDA dandruff actives list, which does not include oak.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR Part 358, Subpart H — Drug products for the control of dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-358/subpart-H
5. Benefits
Claim: Oak extract gives skin a toned, tightened feel, helps it look less shiny, and provides antioxidant support. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. Astringent and antioxidant activity is supported by lab research. Antimicrobial and wound-related results are medical uses, and ORY® does not make those claims. Products that claim to stop or reduce sweating are antiperspirant drugs under FDA rules; ORY® oak products do not make sweat-reduction claims.
Citations:
- Taib, M., Rezzak, Y., Bouyazza, L., & Lyoussi, B. (2020). Medicinal uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities of Quercus species. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2020, 1920683. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/1920683
- What it shows: Lab evidence for antioxidant and astringent activity.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR Part 350 — Antiperspirant drug products for over-the-counter human use. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-350
- What it shows: FDA rule for antiperspirant drug products.
- Taib, M., Rezzak, Y., Bouyazza, L., & Lyoussi, B. (2020). Medicinal uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities of Quercus species. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2020, 1920683. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/1920683
6. Use Across ORY® Product Lines
Claim: Oak extract is used in all four ORY® product lines. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. Oak is added for its astringent feel, not for color. Oak bark powder is not an FDA-approved color additive for cosmetics. We found no data on how much of oak’s tannins survive soapmaking.
| Product line | Typical level | How ORY® uses it |
| Skincare | 0.5–3% | Toners, clarifying masks, foot and body products, and after-shave products. |
| Haircare | 0.5–2% | Shampoos and scalp tonics for oily scalps. |
| Handmade Soap | 1–2% extract; about 1 tsp powder per lb of oils | Extract or bark powder added at trace. |
| Cosmetics | 0.2–1% | Mattifying primers. |
Citations:
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Color Additives and Cosmetics: Fact Sheet; 21 CFR 70.3(g) and Part 73, Subpart C (color additives permitted in cosmetics). https://www.fda.gov/industry/color-additives/color-additives-and-cosmetics-fact-sheet
- What it shows: FDA rules: color additives in cosmetics must be approved for that use.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap
- What it shows: FDA explains how soap is regulated.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Color Additives and Cosmetics: Fact Sheet; 21 CFR 70.3(g) and Part 73, Subpart C (color additives permitted in cosmetics). https://www.fda.gov/industry/color-additives/color-additives-and-cosmetics-fact-sheet
7. Pros
Claim: A traditional natural astringent that is rich in antioxidant polyphenols. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. Supported by reviews and lab studies more than clinical trials.
Citations:
- Taib, M., Rezzak, Y., Bouyazza, L., & Lyoussi, B. (2020). Medicinal uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities of Quercus species. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2020, 1920683. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/1920683
- What it shows: Review.
- Taib, M., Rezzak, Y., Bouyazza, L., & Lyoussi, B. (2020). Medicinal uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities of Quercus species. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2020, 1920683. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/1920683
8. Cons
Claim: Oak extract can be drying, has few clinical studies, and can darken formulas. |
Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:
- Drying. Tannins can leave dry skin feeling tight.
- Limited clinical trials. Most evidence comes from the lab.
- Color and stability. Tannins can turn formulas brown and react with iron.
- No CIR assessment. We found no completed CIR safety review for oak extracts.
Citations:
- Şöhretoğlu, D., & Renda, G. (2020). The polyphenolic profile of oak (Quercus) species: A phytochemical and pharmacological overview. Phytochemistry Reviews, 19, 1379–1426. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11101-020-09707-3
- What it shows: Tannin chemistry.
- Şöhretoğlu, D., & Renda, G. (2020). The polyphenolic profile of oak (Quercus) species: A phytochemical and pharmacological overview. Phytochemistry Reviews, 19, 1379–1426. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11101-020-09707-3
9. Safety Notes
Claim: Patch test before use; for external use only. |
Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:
- Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
- Tannin-rich extracts can be drying. Use a moisturizer if your skin feels tight.
- Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs, and talk to a healthcare provider.
- For external use only. Avoid the eyes. Do not use on broken or seriously damaged skin.
- If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, ask a healthcare provider before use.
Citations:
- Taib, M., Rezzak, Y., Bouyazza, L., & Lyoussi, B. (2020). Medicinal uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities of Quercus species. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2020, 1920683. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/1920683
- What it shows: Review.
- Taib, M., Rezzak, Y., Bouyazza, L., & Lyoussi, B. (2020). Medicinal uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities of Quercus species. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2020, 1920683. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/1920683
10. Product-line notes
- ORY® Skincare: For external use only. Not for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
- ORY® Haircare: Designed for scalp comfort and the look and feel of hair. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss. If you notice sudden shedding or a persistent itchy, flaking scalp, see a dermatologist.
- ORY® Handmade Soap: Handmade soap is naturally alkaline, and each bar may vary slightly in color, scent, and texture. Not intended to treat eczema or any skin condition.
- ORY® Cosmetics: Lip products are not intended to treat or protect chapped or cracked lips. Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.
11. References
Peer-reviewed research
- Şöhretoğlu, D., & Renda, G. (2020). The polyphenolic profile of oak (Quercus) species: A phytochemical and pharmacological overview. Phytochemistry Reviews, 19, 1379–1426. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11101-020-09707-3
- Taib, M., Rezzak, Y., Bouyazza, L., & Lyoussi, B. (2020). Medicinal uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities of Quercus species. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2020, 1920683. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/1920683
Government and regulatory sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Color Additives and Cosmetics: Fact Sheet; 21 CFR 70.3(g) and Part 73, Subpart C (color additives permitted in cosmetics). https://www.fda.gov/industry/color-additives/color-additives-and-cosmetics-fact-sheet
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR Part 358, Subpart H — Drug products for the control of dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-358/subpart-H
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR Part 350 — Antiperspirant drug products for over-the-counter human use. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-350
