Common Name(s): 3',4',5,7-tetrahydroxyflavone,digitoflavone
CAS Number: 491-70-3
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides the most potent flavone mast cell stabilisation for anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory sensitive skin.
Why It's Used: Premier anti-allergic flavone — luteolin's superior mast cell stabilisation vs apigenin and quercetin provides the most potent flavone-based anti-histamine and anti-allergic activity for sensitive and reactive skin.
How It Works: Inhibits ige-mediated mast cell degranulation (ic50 ~1μm) via syk kinase inhibition — more potent than quercetin or apigenin for mast cell stabilisation. cox-2 and 5-lox inhibition provides anti-inflammatory activity. antiviral vs influenza via neuraminidase inhibition. very high antioxidant activity from catechol 3',4'-diol.
Typically Found In: Sensitive skin anti-allergic products,anti-histamine skincare
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient – soothing / anti-inflammatory
Secondary Functions: Redness reduction,anti-inflammatory,calming
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: Yes – from chrysanthemum, artichoke, celery seed
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; ideal for reactive and sensitive skin.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes – particularly recommended for sensitive skin
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Ceramides,panthenol,allantoin,hyaluronic acid,centella asiatica
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Luteolin's superior mast cell stabilisation vs quercetin (its structurally similar 5-hydroxyl-bearing analog) reflects a specific pharmacological difference: the 3',4'-catechol in luteolin vs quercetin's 3',4',3-trihydroxy arrangement provides optimal geometry for syk kinase active site binding. the absence of the 3-hydroxyl group in luteolin's flavone ring vs quercetin's flavonol ring provides conformational flexibility enabling better syk inhibition.
Last Verified: 2026-03-12
Primary Sources: Cosing database,seelinger et al. luteolin mast cell review