The ingredient, explained

Ursolic Acid

A primary study examines this ingredient in the specified preparation and setting.

MaskingPerfumingSkin conditioning

Explore connections

Ingredient guide

What it is and what it does

Urs-12-en-28-oic acid, 3-hydroxy-, -3beta--; 3b-Hydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic Acid; Hydroxyursenoic acid

About this ingredient: EU CosIng ingredient registry (via Open Beauty Facts taxonomy) ↗

Masking: Reduces or conceals the formula's underlying odour or taste.
Perfuming: A formulation role for perfume and aromatic raw materials that give a product its scent.
Skin conditioning: A broad cosmetic role for maintaining skin condition. It does not identify a particular clinical benefit.

Function definitions: European Commission ingredient function definitions (SCCNFP/0299/00, pages 16 to 20) ↗ · Danish Environmental Protection Agency: Cosmetic fragrance functions ↗

Registry functions describe possible formulation roles, not results for a finished product. A dictionary entry is not an approval or a safety assessment.

A closer look

What the research shows

Laboratory and human research

Liposomes increased ceramide in cultured keratinocytes and human skin; collagen increased in cultured fibroblasts.

What this does not tell us

Specific delivery preparation. Abstract lacks human count/control/randomization; biochemical endpoints, not clinical wrinkle efficacy. Three days is onset of ceramide change, not stated total treatment duration.

Sources for this summary. PubMed 11876525 ↗

Research review checked Oct 1, 2026

Bounded review of local candidates, exact-name indexed primary journal/PubMed safety and topical searches; not a systematic review.

Ingredient research is not proof that a product containing this ingredient works.