Common Name(s): Artepillin c,artepillin c,brazilian green propolis prenylated stilbenoid,anti-tumor anti-inflammatory

CAS Number: N/a

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides potent anti-inflammatory activity from nf-kb and mapk pathway inhibition, antimicrobial activity against s. aureus and c. acnes, antioxidant radical scavenging from the cinnamic acid chromophore, and anti-proliferative activity relevant for anti-acne and anti-aging applications.

Why It's Used: Artepillin c's prenyl groups provide exceptional lipophilicity (logp ~6) for membrane penetration — delivering the cinnamic acid pharmacophore to intracellular nf-kb targets more efficiently than water-soluble polyphenols, providing 10x superior anti-inflammatory potency.

How It Works: Artepillin c's two prenyl groups at c3 and c5 increase logp from ~2 (caffeic acid) to ~6, enabling membrane penetration and access to intracellular nf-kb p65 subunit. the cinnamic acid alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl acts as a michael acceptor for cysteine thiols on ikb kinase beta providing covalent inhibition of the nf-kb pathway.

Typically Found In: Anti-inflammatory,anti-acne,anti-aging premium

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – antioxidant

Secondary Functions: Free radical scavenging,anti-aging

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.01%–0.5%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Plant-derived extract or synthetic.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; well-tolerated.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Vitamin c,vitamin e,ferulic acid,spf,other antioxidants

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Brazilian green propolis has a unique botanical origin — exclusively from the resinous exudate of baccharis dracunculifolia (brazilian rosemary) foraged by africanised honey bees in southeast brazil. no other propolis type contains artepillin c, making brazilian green propolis genuinely unique in the cosmetic ingredient landscape.

Last Verified: 2026-03-22

Primary Sources: Cosing database,artepillin c brazilian green propolis anti-inflammatory review