Common Name(s): Echinacea angustifolia extract,echinacea extract,coneflower immunomodulating active,alkylamide cb2 agonist
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Activates cb2 cannabinoid receptors through alkylamide compounds providing anti-inflammatory immunomodulation, delivers antioxidant protection from echinacoside and cichoric acid polyphenols, and promotes wound healing through immune cell activation.
Why It's Used: Echinacea alkylamides are cb2 receptor agonists (kd ~0.1-1 μm) — the same endocannabinoid pathway as beta-caryophyllene — providing genuine receptor-mediated immunomodulation supporting the centuries of documented wound healing and anti-inflammatory traditional use.
How It Works: Echinacea n-alkylamides (e.g., n-(2-methylbutyl)-2e,4e,8z,10e/z-dodecatetraenamide) activate cb2 receptors on skin macrophages and mast cells → inhibition of tnf-α, il-6 → anti-inflammatory immune modulation. echinacoside (hydroxycinnamic acid glycoside) provides radical scavenging ic50 ~0.1 mg/ml. wound healing from activated macrophage vegf release.
Typically Found In: Anti-inflammatory,wound healing,immunomodulating
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: 0.1%–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
Echinacea species specificity: e. purpurea provides highest alkylamide content (cb2 agonist); e. angustifolia provides highest echinacoside content (antioxidant); e. pallida provides highest polysaccharide content (immunomodulation). species selection depends on target mechanism.
Last Verified: 2026-03-22
Primary Sources: Cosing database,echinacea alkylamide cb2 anti-inflammatory immunomodulating review