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Moumoujus

CANAVALIA GLADIATA EXTRACT.

Valuable / ASTRINGENT, HUMECTANT, SKIN CONDITIONING, SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT

A nutrient-dense botanical extract derived from the Sword Bean, recognized for its dual-action role in brightening and structural skin support. It delivers a concentrated profile of amino acids and antioxidants to neutralize oxidative stress while refining skin tone.

Summary

skin conditioning antioxidant astringent humectant emollient tyrosinase inhibitor

Science

Mechanism of Action

This extract operates through three primary pathways: it inhibits tyrosinase enzymes to disrupt melanin synthesis for a whitening effect, suppresses collagenase activity by over 90% to protect the dermal matrix from degradation, and utilizes its high concentration of canavanine and histidine to reinforce the lipid barrier and enhance humectancy.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range 0.2–8.3%
Optimal

1%

Key findings

  1. 01 In vitro analysis demonstrated that concentrations between 5.7–8.3 mg/mL effectively inhibit tyrosinase, while antioxidant capacity at 2 mg/mL was found to be comparable to ascorbic acid.
  2. 02 Research on fermented extracts indicates a significant reduction in inflammatory markers and skin lesion episodes in atopic dermatitis models, suggesting a potent ability to restore barrier function.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

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

Due to its efficacy as a botanical, it is frequently included in 'label-claim' amounts (below 0.1%). To achieve the tyrosinase inhibition and antioxidant effects seen in research, concentrations should ideally reach or exceed 0.5% of the total formulation.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 4.5 – 6.5
0 7 14

Stability

The extract's protein component, canavalin, exhibits temperature-dependent physical changes, potentially gelling at 8°C and melting at 70°C. Formulators must monitor temperature during phase integration.

Synergies

  • Ascorbic acid (enhanced antioxidant network)
  • Niacinamide (complementary barrier support and brightening)

Conflicts

  • Divalent cations (MgCl2 or CaCl2) which trigger protein precipitation
  • High salinity environments (NaCl) which may decrease solubility

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Sensitization risk Low

While the raw bean contains toxic Concanavalin A, the cosmetic extract is processed for topical safety and maintains a low hazard rating in international databases.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

An excellent multi-functional botanical for precision brightening and collagen preservation, provided it is formulated within the correct pH range and at meaningful concentrations.

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