Back to Ingredient Dictionary

Common Name(s): Medicago sativa oil unsaponifiables,medicago sativa oil unsaponifiables,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%โ€“5%

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