Panax Ginseng Extract Benefits for Skin

Panax ginseng has been used as a medicinal plant for more than 4,000 years. It has been regarded as a superior nutritional tonic since ancient times. Ginsenosides are the main active ingredients of ginseng. Most studies on ginsenosides at home and abroad focus on ginseng roots. However, many studies in recent years have shown that ginsenosides in ginseng leaves and stems and leaves are higher than roots; and leaves contain a large amount. The leaves contains much ginsenoside Rb3 (about 55.72%), while the root contains more ginsenoside Rb1 and Rc. In addition, Rb3 can only be detected in the leaves.

Panax ginseng extract has many benefits for skin, such as promoting collagen synthesis, anti-oxidation, anti-wrinkle, and anti-aging.

• Promoting collagen synthesis

Ginseng extract can significantly increase the production of type I collagen in human skin fibroblasts. It has no cytotoxic effect. Compared to the control group, ginseng extract can increase collagen synthesis by 55.1% at a concentration of 100μg/mL. The study further evaluates the effects of main constituents on synthesis of type I collagen in ginseng extract. The result shows that Rb3 has 160.2% increases in production of type I collagen, compared to the untreated control group. However, Rb2 promotes the collagen synthesis of human dermal fibroblasts weakly. Therefore, the experimental results show that ginsenoside Rb3 is involved in the promotion of collagen synthesis.

• Anti-wrinkle

Moreover, the study also confirms anti-wrinkle effect of ginseng extract. A cosmetic formulation containing 0.05% ginseng extract is applied to human skin around the end of eyes of 17 volunteers for 8 weeks. According to analysis of the crow’s feet, use of the formulation for 8 weeks results in a significant improvement in fine lines and wrinkles.

• Anti-oxidation

Ginseng extract can also remove excess free radicals. It has anti-oxidation activity. Combination with its effect on synthesis of type I collagen, ginseng extract can achieve better anti-aging effect. In addition, the study found that in UVB-induced fibroblast photo-aging model, ginseng extract can simultaneously regulate MAPKs and NF-kB signaling pathway. Also it inhibits abnormal secretion of MMP-1 and MMP-13. Thereby it achieves anti-photo-aging effect.

Plamed Green Science Group has develop three kinds of cosmetics grade ginseng extract, according to the demand of cosmetics market. The three specification include Ginsenosides 1%, Ginsenosides 20%.

Figure: water solution of 1% Ginsenoside

Figure: water solution of 20% Ginsenoside

Panax Ginseng Extract Application in Cosmetics

Plant source: Panax ginseng roots and leaves

INCI Name: PANAX GINSENG EXTRACT

Appearance: powder

Solubility: water solubility

Dosage: 0.1-1%

Applicable Products: toner, cream, lotion, gel, shampoo, eye cream etc.

Bottom Line

The active ingredient ginsenoside in ginseng extract is not only present in roots but also in leaves. Therefore, ginseng extract from both roots and leaves has a skin-care effect. It has been widely applied in cosmetics industry. It has long been added as antioxidant, skin conditioner and scalp conditioner to cosmetics. There are ginseng extracts in many cosmetic brands, such as Sulwhasoo, Whoo, AHC, Sisley and so on.