Peony herb, in particular, the root of peony has been used frequently in traditional medicines of Korea, China and Japan. Peony root has a diverse chemical composition, consisting of the characteristic ingredients paeoniflorin and proanthocyanidins, essential oils, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and polysaccharides. 

Scientific studies suggest that peony has strong skin conditioning, toning, anti-oxidant and anti-wrinkle effects. Peony root has been shown to have high antioxidant activity, likely due to the presence of paeoniflorin, proanthocyanidins, and flavonoids, thus protecting skin cells from environmental damage and ageing. It protects human epidermis cells from DNA damage induced by ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation. An eight-week clinical study with 20 volunteers resulted in a statistically significant reduction in facial wrinkles. Polysaccharides found in peony bark and root have shown an ability to stimulate immune cells.