Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Also known as Ginseng Root Extract, Korean Ginseng Extract, Panax Ginseng Extract
“CIR Expert Panel says: safe as used in cosmetics.”
The CIR Expert Panel assessed Panax Ginseng Root Extract as Safe (Finding=S, no conditions) via IJT 34(Suppl.3):5-42, 2015, covering the full Panax ginseng preparation group including Root Extract specifically by name. Topical studies confirm anti-melanogenic activity of ginsenoside Rf via CREB/MITF pathway inhibition (PMID 34803425) and skin microbiome benefits in a clinical split-face trial (PMID 35509819). A bibliometric review identifies ginsenosides as the primary actives for collagen regulation (anti-aging) and melanin inhibition (brightening) in cosmetic applications (PMID 34520601).
Anti-aging / collagen stimulation: ginseng extract and its ginsenoside constituents promote type I procollagen synthesis and improve facial wrinkles; demonstrated in a 24-week randomized controlled trial
Skin brightening / anti-melanogenic: ginsenoside Rf inhibits melanin production via CREB/MITF pathway suppression in melanocytes and ex vivo human skin; bibliometric data confirms melanin regulation as a primary efficacy signal
Skin microbiome modulation: Panax ginseng formulation selectively promotes Staphylococcus epidermidis while reducing Cutibacterium acnes in a clinical split-face study
Antioxidant / anti-inflammatory: ginsenosides scavenge reactive oxygen species and modulate inflammatory cytokine pathways; supports use in anti-aging and sensitive-skin formulations
Plant: Panax ginseng C.A. Mey., family Araliaceae; primary actives are ginsenosides (triterpenoid saponins, ~30 known), with Rb1, Rg1, Rc, Re, and Rf as the most studied in skin contexts; CIR assessed the whole root extract
- · Rare reports of contact allergy/sensitization to ginseng in cosmetic products — very low incidence
- · Red ginseng and white ginseng are processing variants of the same root; CIR assessed the whole Panax ginseng group; ginsenosides are not separate INCIs and are covered by the whole-extract assessment
Systemic ginseng use associated with hormonal effects and herb-drug interactions at oral doses; dermal penetration from topical cosmetic use is limited and not considered clinically relevant at typical formulation concentrations
CIR Quick Reference Table (September 2022) — Panax Ginseng Root Extract row: Finding=S, Citation=IJT 34(Suppl.3):5-42, 2015
“Panax Ginseng Root Extract | S | | IJT 34(Suppl.3):5-42, 2015”— QuickReferenceTable_AllConclusionTypes.pdf, p. 319