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BENINCASA CERIFERA SEED EXTRACT.

Valuable CAS 97659-61-5 / SKIN CONDITIONING

An antioxidant-dense botanical extract derived from the seeds of the Wax Gourd, traditionally used in East Asian medicine and now repurposed for modern biomimetic skincare. This multifaceted ingredient excels at neutralizing oxidative stress while preserving the integrity of the skin's structural matrix.

Antioxidant Skin Conditioning Anti-inflammatory Enzyme Inhibition Moisture Retention

Science

This extract operates through a dual-pathway system: first, its high concentration of phenolic compounds and flavonoids (notably rutin) scavenges free radicals to prevent cellular damage; second, it functions as an enzymatic inhibitor, specifically targeting collagenase and hyaluronidase to stop the degradation of collagen and hyaluronic acid. Additionally, its polysaccharide content enhances the skin's osmotic pressure, improving long-term moisture retention.


Research

Medium confidence
Effective range 0.01–2.4%
Optimal

2%

Key findings

  1. 01 In-vitro analysis (2025) demonstrated an 86.5% to 87.87% radical scavenging activity at a concentration of 100 µg/mL, performing comparably to high-grade ascorbic acid.
  2. 02 Research published in Molecules (2021) confirmed DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging capacity at 0.1 mg/mL, establishing its role as a preventative antioxidant.
  3. 03 Historical data from the NMPA (2021) validates its safety and efficacy in leave-on formulations at levels up to 2.4%.

Transparency

Commonly dusted
Min. effective
0.5%
Red flag below
0.1%

Due to its botanical origin, it is frequently used at trace amounts (under 0.1%) for marketing purposes. To achieve the documented antioxidant activity and enzyme inhibition observed in clinical settings, concentrations between 1.0% and 2.4% are recommended.


The Formula

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 6 – 7
0 7 14

Stability

Naturally exhibits a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.09-6.6). While stable at room temperature, it is susceptible to photo-degradation and should be stored in UV-protective packaging.

Synergies

  • Vitamin C (to stabilize the antioxidant network)
  • Hyaluronic Acid (to enhance the effects of hyaluronidase inhibition)
  • Tocopherol (to protect the lipid-phase from oxidation)

Conflicts

  • High-heat processing (may degrade phenolic content)
  • Highly oxidative environments without secondary stabilizers

Safety

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Max tested
2.4%
Pregnancy
Safe
Sensitization risk Low

HET-CAM testing indicates a non-irritating profile. It is currently listed as a safe-grade cosmetic ingredient with an established FDA UNII code (0EFG08DK6K).


Your Skin

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Valuable

A high-performance botanical that provides essential enzymatic protection for the skin's structural proteins, making it an excellent choice for preventative anti-aging.


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