Whole seed of Phaseolus angularis (adzuki bean/Vigna angularis), a small red bean traditionally used in East Asian cuisine and skincare. Ground adzuki beans have been used for centuries in Japanese beauty rituals as a gentle physical exfoliant. Rich in saponins (natural cleansing compounds), proteins, and B vitamins.
Key Skin Benefits
+ Traditional exfoliation — used for centuries in East Asian beauty rituals
+ Biodegradable — environmentally friendly alternative to plastic microbeads
+ Skin-soothing — traditional cooling effect on skin
Pros
+ Traditional beauty ingredient with proven historical use
+ Gentler than synthetic scrub beads
+ Food-grade safety profile
+ Renewable and sustainable plant source
Cons
− Limited modern cosmetic research
− Bean allergy concern for some users
− Organic certification recommended to avoid pesticide residues
Specifications
Property
Value
Usage Areas
Face, Body
Product Type
Rinse-Off
Source
Plant
Natural Level
Natural
Safety Ratings
Metric
Rating
Skin Sensitivity
1/5 (low)
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 — CIR safe as used
Japan (MHLW)
No limit
No limit
Allowed
ASEAN
No limit
No limit
Allowed — follows EU
China (NMPA)
No limit
No limit
Allowed — listed in IECIC
Typical Usage % by Product Type
Product Type
Typical %
Physical scrub
5–30%
Face mask blend
10–50%
References
Yao Y et al. (2013) — Antioxidant properties of mung bean flavonoids. PMID: 23602872
Tang D et al. (2014) — Adzuki bean polyphenols and antioxidant activity. PMID: 24555607
EU CosIng Database. https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/