Common Name(s): Diosgenin,diosgenin,steroidal saponin precursor,5-alpha-reductase inhibitor sebum regulator
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Inhibits 5-alpha-reductase in sebaceous glands reducing dht-stimulated sebum overproduction, provides erβ phytoestrogenic collagen synthesis support, and delivers anti-inflammatory steroid-pathway activity.
Why It's Used: Diosgenin's steroidal scaffold enables 5-alpha-reductase competitive inhibition by competing with testosterone for the active site — the same mechanism as pharmaceutical finasteride but from a natural phytosteroid origin.
How It Works: Diosgenin (delta-5-3β-oh steroidal saponin aglycone): competes with testosterone for 5α-reductase type i/ii active site → reduced dht production → reduced androgen receptor activation → decreased sebaceous gland lipogenesis. erβ binding (ki ~100 nm): collagen synthesis stimulation through estrogen response element activation.
Typically Found In: Anti-acne,oily skin,anti-aging
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient – antioxidant
Secondary Functions: Free radical scavenging,anti-aging
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.01%–1%
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
Diosgenin is the industrial precursor for synthesis of cortisone and progesterone — the steroidal backbone providing both the cosmetic phytoestrogen/5-ar inhibitor activity and the chemical precursor role confirming the steroid-pathway pharmacology.
Last Verified: 2026-03-22
Primary Sources: Cosing database,diosgenin steroidal saponin 5-alpha-reductase sebum review