Common Name(s): Oleanic acid,3-beta-hydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid

CAS Number: 0508-02-01

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides potent mmp collagen-protective and anti-inflammatory triterpenoid activity.

Why It's Used: Comprehensive anti-aging triterpenoid — oleanolic acid's mmp-1, mmp-3, and mmp-9 inhibition provides collagen protection from enzymatic degradation alongside anti-inflammatory and anti-acne activity.

How It Works: Inhibits mmp-1 (collagenase), mmp-3 (stromelysin), mmp-9 (gelatinase) for collagen protection. inhibits 5-lox and cox for anti-inflammatory activity. antibacterial vs p. acnes. inhibits tyrosinase for mild brightening. activates nrf2 for endogenous antioxidant induction.

Typically Found In: Anti-aging serums,anti-acne products,brightening formulas

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – brightening / tyrosinase inhibitor

Secondary Functions: Melanin inhibition,hyperpigmentation reduction

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–2%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – from olea europaea or grape skin

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Synthetic or plant-derived.

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. use with spf for maximum efficacy. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Niacinamide,vitamin c,alpha-arbutin,tranexamic acid,spf

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Oleanolic acid's pentacyclic triterpenoid scaffold provides multiple simultaneous pharmacological activities from a single molecule — mmp inhibition, 5-lox inhibition, cox inhibition, tyrosinase inhibition, and nrf2 activation. this multi-target activity from a single rigid triterpenoid scaffold is a hallmark of this botanical compound class.

Last Verified: 2026-03-12

Primary Sources: Cosing database,gnoatto et al. oleanolic acid review