active

Madecassic Acid

INCI: MADECASSIC ACID
CAS 18449-41-7
Urs-12-en-28-oic acid, 2,3,6,23-tetrahydroxy-, (2alpha,3beta,4alpha,6beta)-
Limited Data
Insufficient safety data available. Consider enriching this ingredient.
Details

Description

Urs-12-en-28-oic acid, 2,3,6,23-tetrahydroxy-, (2alpha,3beta,4alpha,6beta)-

Purpose

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.
Profile

Properties

Silicone
Silicone free
Compliance

Regulatory Status

EU
Permitted
Safety
GOOD
US
Permitted
Absorptionhigh
Sensitizationlow
MoSadequate
NOAEL1000 mg/kg
ConcernLow
Flags
cir-assessedcentella-asiaticaanti-inflammatorycollagen-synthesiswound-healingphotoprotectivesensitization-data-requiredadvanced-delivery-beneficial
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.

US Note

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.

Assessment

Ratings

Comedogenic0/5
LowHigh
Irritancy0/5
LowHigh
Reference

Identifiers

CAS Number
18449-41-7
INCI
MADECASSIC ACID
Category
active
Updated
Apr 2, 2026