Science
Mechanism of Action
Diosmine acts as an antioxidant by neutralizing free radicals and mitigating oxidative stress. Its anti-inflammatory properties are mediated through mechanisms such as reducing leukocyte adhesion, inhibiting cytokine production, and regulating the arachidonic acid pathway. Topically, it exhibits vasoconstrictive effects, aiding in the reduction of vascular dilation. Diosmine further contributes to skin firmness by soothing the skin and inhibiting the activity of elastase and collagenase, enzymes responsible for the degradation of elastin and collagen. Additionally, it supports skin barrier restoration by upregulating crucial barrier proteins like filaggrin and loricrin, and their upstream regulator OVOL1, potentially via the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) pathway, while also inhibiting STAT3 phosphorylation. This action may contribute to reduced epidermal thickness and immune cell infiltration in the skin.
Research
Clinical Evidence
Medium confidence2%
Key findings
- 01 A 2% diosmin cream significantly reduced hydrogen peroxide production by 45% and cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer formation by 36% in a UVB irradiation model using human skin explants. The same concentration also demonstrated substantial vasoconstrictive effects, decreasing the proportion of dilated capillaries by 29% and capillary luminal area by 49%, alongside anti-inflammatory effects with a 36% reduction in IL-8 release, in a substance P-induced inflammation model, also utilizing human skin explants.
- 02 Cosmetic compositions containing diosmin or its cosmetically acceptable salt within the 0.0001% to 20% concentration range improved skin moisturizing, enhanced skin elasticity, inhibited erythema, alleviated skin wrinkles, and/or retarded skin photoaging. It specifically increased procollagen type I C-peptide secretion in UV-irradiated human dermal fibroblasts. In animal studies on hairless mice, diosmin significantly increased skin moisture content and elasticity, reduced moisture evaporation and erythema index, improved dorsal skin wrinkles (reducing wrinkle area, depth, and length), decreased epidermal thickness, maintained dense and regular collagen fibers, increased the expression of collagen types 1α1, 1α2, and 3α1, and decreased MMP-1a, MMP-1b, MMP-3, and MMP-9 gene expression.
Transparency
Dusting Analysis
The research data does not suggest that Diosmine is commonly used in concentrations that would be considered 'dusting' or ineffective. Its studied efficacy ranges are within typical cosmetic formulation practices, providing demonstrable benefits at targeted concentrations.
The Formula
Formulation
Stability
Diosmine has a pKa value of 6.1. There is conflicting information regarding its water solubility: one source indicates it is well soluble in water, while another states it is practically insoluble in water but freely soluble in aprotic solvents. Combinations of diosmin with essential oils in lipoid colloidal carriers demonstrated satisfactory physical stability for one year.
Safety
Safety Profile
The US FDA concluded in 2001 that there was inadequate evidence to establish the safety of diosmin, a stance that remained unchanged as of 2013. No specific reviews by the CIR or SCCS were identified. While oral diosmin is generally considered possibly safe for short-term use, it can lead to mild side effects such as stomach pain, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, and skin redness, rash, or hives in some individuals. For topical cosmetic formulations, studies have reported no skin side effects for diosmin or its salts at concentrations up to 20% by weight. However, concentrations exceeding this may exhibit known toxicity. Diosmine is not recommended for application on already irritated skin conditions like dermatitis, eczema, or urticaria.
Your Skin
Skin Compatibility
Our Assessment
Verdict
Diosmine is a valuable flavonoid offering significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging benefits, supported by studies demonstrating improvements in skin health and appearance at topical concentrations up to 20%.
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References
Sources