Good Active Ingredient Dermal Penetration

Madecassic Acid

INCI: MADECASSIC ACID

CAS Number
18449-41-7
Function
Triterpenoid pentacyclic acid; aglycone of madecassoside from Centella asiatica. Active via TGF-beta/Smad-driven extracellular matrix anabolism: upregulates collagen I, fibronectin, and hydroxyproline synthesis; attenuates NF-kB and JAK/STAT3 inflammatory signaling. Complementary to asiatic acid in the Centella triterpenoid quartet. Photoprotective: protects against UVB-induced keratinocyte apoptosis via Ca2+/AMPK- and mTOR-dependent ERK phosphorylation pathways. Wound healing, barrier resilience, and anti-aging active.
Safety Rating
GOOD

Regulatory Status

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บ EU Status permitted
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ US Status permitted
US Notes CIR assessed as part of Centella asiatica ingredient group; concluded safe in present practices of use. Formulations must be non-sensitising per CIR conditional conclusion. MoCRA safety substantiation required.

For full compliance data across 55 jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
adequate
Dermal Absorption
high
Sensitization
low

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Dermal Penetration Profile

Skin absorption and penetration characteristics of Madecassic Acid, relevant to systemic exposure and MoS calculations.

Absorption %
3-8%
Penetration Level
stratum-corneum
Penetration Depth
stratum corneum/epidermis
Molecular Weight
504.7 Da
Log P
5.8
Systemic Absorption
minimal
Topical Bioavailability
2-6%
Safety Margin Factor
low
Vehicle Dependent
Yes โ€” absorption varies by formulation

Source: Int Wound J 2016

Expert Verdict

Madecassic acid is the triterpenoid aglycone of madecassoside and the lipophilic delivery-optimised form for Centella asiatica anti-inflammatory and collagen-synthesis activity, acting through TGF-beta/Smad ECM anabolism, NF-kB suppression, and JAK/STAT3 attenuation with demonstrated UVB photoprotective activity; CIR concludes safe in present practices of use.

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Concern Level: Low

Regulatory Flags

cir-assessed centella-asiatica anti-inflammatory collagen-synthesis wound-healing photoprotective sensitization-data-required advanced-delivery-beneficial

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Madecassic Acid safe in cosmetics?

Madecassic acid is the triterpenoid aglycone of madecassoside and the lipophilic delivery-optimised form for Centella asiatica anti-inflammatory and collagen-synthesis activity, acting through TGF-beta/Smad ECM anabolism, NF-kB suppression, and JAK/STAT3 attenuation with demonstrated UVB photoprotective activity; CIR concludes safe in present practices of use. The EU classifies Madecassic Acid as "permitted". Safety rating: GOOD.

Is Madecassic Acid allowed in the EU?

Madecassic Acid EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Madecassic Acid do in cosmetics?

Madecassic Acid functions as: Triterpenoid pentacyclic acid; aglycone of madecassoside from Centella asiatica. Active via TGF-beta/Smad-driven extracellular matrix anabolism: upregulates collagen I, fibronectin, and hydroxyproline synthesis; attenuates NF-kB and JAK/STAT3 inflammatory signaling. Complementary to asiatic acid in the Centella triterpenoid quartet. Photoprotective: protects against UVB-induced keratinocyte apoptosis via Ca2+/AMPK- and mTOR-dependent ERK phosphorylation pathways. Wound healing, barrier resilience, and anti-aging active.. It is classified as a Active Ingredient in our database. CAS number: 18449-41-7.

What is the Margin of Safety for Madecassic Acid?

adequate The Margin of Safety (MoS) is calculated using SCCS methodology. A MoS above 100 is generally considered safe. Use the MoS Calculator tool to calculate MoS for your specific formulation and product category.

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