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ginkgo-leaf — on-brand ingredient render

BOTANICAL EXTRACT

Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract

A leaf extract rich in flavonoids and ginkgolides, studied topically for improving the visible look of tired, dull skin.

Source

Ginkgo tree leaves

Used for

Skin conditioning, antioxidant

How it works

Ginkgo biloba leaf extract contains a distinctive mix of flavone glycosides, ginkgolides, and phenolic acids, giving it well-documented antioxidant activity.

A cream containing ginkgo leaf extract has been tested on volunteers and found to improve the look of their skin, in keeping with the antioxidant activity of its flavonoids and ginkgolides, which help counter the free radicals behind tired, dull-looking skin.

Ginkgo biloba extract fits well into a morning routine, where its antioxidant activity works alongside the day's sun protection rather than in place of it. It layers comfortably with other antioxidant botanicals and vitamin C.
  1. 01

    Studied in a cream for visibly improved skin condition

  2. 02

    Rich in antioxidant flavonoids and ginkgolides

  3. 03

    Supports the skin's own antioxidant defences

Questions

What is ginkgo biloba leaf extract?
It is an extract of the leaves of the ginkgo, or maidenhair tree, Ginkgo biloba. The leaves are fan-shaped with a pattern of radiating veins not seen in any other tree. The European cosmetic ingredient database lists the extract as a skin-conditioning ingredient, one that helps keep skin in good condition. (Gymnosperm Database; COSMILE Europe)
Is there research on ginkgo in skincare?
Yes, and early research is encouraging. Volunteers applied a cream containing ginkgo leaf extract every day, and the researchers reported that skin looked renewed, with fewer visible lines. The same cream showed antioxidant activity in a laboratory test. (Abdellatif et al., 2023)
Is ginkgo leaf extract well tolerated?
Researchers who tested a ginkgo leaf cream reported it was well tolerated by the volunteers who used it daily. It is the fleshy outer coat of ginkgo seeds, not the leaves, that is known to cause dermatitis in some people. If you know you react to ginkgo, check ingredient lists and patch test first. (Abdellatif et al., 2023; Gymnosperm Database)

About the plant

Ginkgo biloba is native to China, in the provinces of Guizhou and Zhejiang, and is now widely cultivated around the world as an ornamental and shade tree. (USDA GRIN)

It is one of the most isolated plants on earth: the only living species in its genus, family and order, from a genus dating back around 200 million years. It is a deciduous tree with separate male and female trees, and its fan-shaped leaves turn golden before falling each winter. The leaves are the part used for the cosmetic extract. (Gymnosperm Database)

Good to know

The fleshy outer coat of ginkgo seeds is known to cause dermatitis in some people; the cosmetic extract is made from the leaves instead. If you know you react to ginkgo, check ingredient lists. (Gymnosperm Database; COSMILE Europe)

The research

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