Common Name(s): 3-beta-hydroxy-12-ursen-28-oic acid,urson

CAS Number: 77-52-1

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides triterpenoid collagen stimulation and anti-inflammatory activity from rosemary and apple peel.

Why It's Used: Anti-aging triterpenoid from rosemary — ursolic acid's collagen synthesis stimulation via igf-1r agonism alongside anti-inflammatory activity provides comprehensive anti-aging action from a widely available botanical.

How It Works: Igf-1 receptor partial agonism stimulates collagen synthesis in fibroblasts. inhibits nf-kb and ap-1 for anti-inflammatory activity. inhibits 5-lox for leukotriene reduction. antibacterial vs p. acnes. activates ampk for energy sensing anti-aging pathway.

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

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – antioxidant

Secondary Functions: Free radical scavenging,anti-aging

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–2%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – from rosmarinus officinalis or malus domestica peel

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; 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

Ursolic acid's igf-1r partial agonism for collagen stimulation provides a growth-factor receptor activation pathway distinct from tgf-beta peptide activators — igf-1r stimulation produces a different collagen synthesis gene expression pattern (favouring collagen i over collagen iii) potentially more beneficial for photoaged skin where collagen i is preferentially degraded.

Last Verified: 2026-03-12

Primary Sources: Cosing database,jäger et al. ursolic acid skin review