Back to Ingredient Dictionary
Common Name(s): Medicago sativa leaf extract,medicago sativa leaf extract,alfalfa (medicago sativa) extract,phytoestrogen antioxidant mineral-rich active
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides coumestrol phytoestrogenic collagen synthesis stimulation, quercetin/kaempferol antioxidant radical scavenging, and mineral conditioning from alfalfa's exceptional mineral density โ the most complete land plant for skin mineral nutritional support.
Why It's Used: Alfalfa's coumestrol provides the strongest phytoestrogenic activity of any plant compound โ 100ร more potent than genistein at erฮฑ โ providing menopausal skin support from a non-soy, non-legume botanical source.
How It Works: Coumestrol (3,9-dihydroxycoumaronocoumarin): erฮฑ kd ~0.1 nm (strongest known natural phytoestrogen) โ tgf-ฮฒ upregulation โ col1a1 synthesis. quercetin/kaempferol: catechol radical scavenging + cox-1/2 inhibition โ anti-inflammatory. oil unsaponifiables: phytosterols + squalene for sc barrier reinforcement.
Typically Found In: Anti-aging,menopausal skin,antioxidant
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ 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%โ5%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Plant-derived extract or synthetic.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ 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
Coumestrol erฮฑ activity regulatory note: at high concentrations the strong erฮฑ agonism may approach hormonal activity โ cosmetic formulators should verify the coumestrol concentration in the specific extract and ensure it remains within the cosmetic boundary for phytoestrogenic activity.
Last Verified: 2026-03-22
Primary Sources: Cosing database,medicago sativa alfalfa coumestrol phytoestrogen review