Ursolic acid is a pentacyclic triterpenoid derived from plant sources such as rosemary, apple peel, and holy basil. It is used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-barrier-supporting properties, and has been studied for stimulating collagen and ceramide synthesis.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Mild skin irritation or redness | Uncommon | May occur in sensitive individuals, often related to formulation solvents needed for its poor water solubility. |
Contact dermatitis / allergic reaction | Rare | Reported infrequently; patch testing advised for reactive skin. |
Stinging or transient discomfort on application | Rare | Typically formulation-dependent rather than from the compound itself. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.