Common Name(s): Emblica officinalis fruit,emblica officinalis fruit,amla (indian gooseberry) tannin complex,antioxidant brightening anti-aging

CAS Number: N/a

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides among the highest antioxidant capacity of any botanical ingredient from emblicanin tannin ellagitannins, mild tyrosinase inhibition for brightening from the galloyl groups, and anti-inflammatory activity from the ellagic acid metabolites.

Why It's Used: Emblica provides vitamin c-equivalent antioxidant activity in a tannin-stable form — unlike free ascorbic acid which degrades rapidly, emblicanin tannins maintain potent antioxidant capacity throughout product shelf life.

How It Works: Emblicanin a/b and punigluconin are gallotannin-ellagitannin hybrid polyphenols providing: galloyl groups for h-atom donation to ros (rate constants >10⁸ m⁻¹s⁻¹); ellagic acid release by gut/skin microbiome → urolithin metabolites (anti-aging); galloyl group chelation of tyrosinase cu²⁺ (mild brightening ic50 ~200 μm).

Typically Found In: Brightening,anti-aging,antioxidant

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – antioxidant

Secondary Functions: Free radical scavenging,anti-aging

Application Areas:

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

Emblica tannin vitamin c equivalence: the tannin polyphenols provide equivalent teac antioxidant capacity to ~600 mg ascorbic acid per gram of dry emblica powder — without the oxidative instability limiting free ascorbic acid applications.

Last Verified: 2026-03-22

Primary Sources: Cosing database,emblica officinalis amla emblicanin antioxidant brightening review