Common Name(s): Humus extract,humus extract,humic substance,soil-derived antioxidant mineral complex
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides polyaromatic antioxidant protection from humic acid's extended quinone-catechol redox systems, trace mineral delivery from metal-humate complexes, anti-inflammatory activity from polyanionic nf-kb modulation, and prebiotic activity for soil-adapted skin microbiome.
Why It's Used: Humic acids provide the most mineralogically complex antioxidant in cosmetics — the ancient organic matter matrix containing condensed polyphenols alongside trace mineral complexes unavailable from any single botanical source.
How It Works: Humic acid structure: polymeric condensed aromatic carboxylate (mw 5000-100,000 da) with quinone-catechol redox centres providing multiple h-atom donations. metal complexation: polydentate carboxylate/hydroxyl ligands bind fe³⁺, zn²⁺, cu²⁺, mn²⁺ → controlled trace mineral release in sc.
Typically Found In: Anti-aging,mineral skin care,microbiome
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%–2%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: No - animal-derived
Halal Status: Conditional - animal origin stated in the record's own description; documentation required
Source Notes: Plant-derived extract or synthetic. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: pass-1 miss: the record's own detail text states an animal derivation, but pass 1 classified on the name and source_notes only. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
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
Heavy metal monitoring: humic acids concentrate heavy metals — cosmetic-grade material requires icp-ms verification for pb, as, cd, hg below regulatory limits before formulation.
Last Verified: 2026-03-22
Primary Sources: Cosing database,humus extract humic substance antioxidant mineral review