Perilla Frutescens Extract

Also known as: Shiso Extract, Perilla Extract

INCI: Perilla Frutescens Extract | Function: Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Skin Conditioning | Type: Botanical Extract

What Is Perilla Frutescens Extract?

Perilla Frutescens (Shiso/Perilla) extract is derived from the leaves of an aromatic herb in the mint family, widely used in East Asian cuisine and traditional medicine. The extract is rich in rosmarinic acid, luteolin, and apigenin — polyphenolic compounds with potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-allergic properties. It is used in skincare to calm sensitive skin, reduce redness, and protect against oxidative stress. Perilla is particularly valued in K-Beauty and J-Beauty formulations for its gentle yet effective soothing properties.

Key Skin Benefits

+ Anti-inflammatory — rosmarinic acid reduces skin redness and irritation
+ Antioxidant protection — luteolin and apigenin neutralize free radicals
+ Anti-allergic — inhibits histamine release, soothes atopic skin
+ Skin barrier support — promotes ceramide synthesis
+ Anti-glycation — protects collagen from sugar-induced damage

Pros

+ Clinically demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity (rosmarinic acid)
+ Suitable for sensitive, reactive, and atopic skin types
+ Natural plant extract — aligns with clean beauty trends
+ Synergistic with centella asiatica and green tea extracts
+ Traditional use history — thousands of years in East Asian medicine

Cons

− Extract potency varies with growing conditions and extraction method
− Limited large-scale clinical studies on cosmetic use
− May cause sensitivity in mint-family allergic individuals
− Oxidation-sensitive — requires proper preservation

Specifications

Property	Value
Usage Areas	Face, Eye, Body, Hair
Product Type	Leave-On, Rinse-Off
Source	Plant
Natural Level	Natural

Safety Ratings

Metric	Rating
Skin Sensitivity	0/5
Comedogenic Rating	0/5
EWG Score	1/10

Regional Regulatory Limits

Region	Leave-on %	Rinse-off %	Status
EU (CosIng)	No limit	No limit	Allowed
US (CIR/FDA)	No limit	No limit	Allowed
Japan (MHLW)	No limit	No limit	Allowed — traditional ingredient
ASEAN	No limit	No limit	Allowed
China (NMPA)	No limit	No limit	Allowed — IECIC listed

Typical Usage % by Product Type

Product Type	Typical %
Soothing Serums	0.5–5%
Calming Creams	1–3%
Toner / Essence	1–10%
Sheet Masks	2–8%

References

Osakabe N et al (2004) — Rosmarinic acid inhibits skin inflammation. PMID: 15173969
Takano H et al (2004) — Perilla extract suppresses allergic inflammation. PMID: 15284824
CosIng Database — Perilla Frutescens Extract. https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/
EWG Skin Deep — Perilla Frutescens Extract. https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/

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