Perilla Extract

Perilla Extract

A soothing botanical rich in antioxidants, omega fatty acids, and flavonoids that help calm irritation, protect against environmental stress, and strengthen the skin barrier. Known for its anti-inflammatory and nourishing properties, it supports balanced, hydrated, and healthy-looking skin — ideal for sensitive, stressed, or combination complexions.

Perilla frutescens is an annual herb of the mint family (Lamiaceae), native to East Asia (China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam). Commonly known in English by names such as shiso, beefsteak plant, or Japanese basil, perilla features serrated leaves in green or purple varieties and aromatic stems.
This botanical extract is a "barrier-builder," designed to soothe chronic sensitivity, restore lost moisture, and protect the skin from the visible signs of aging.

What It Does

  • Antioxidant Protection: Perilla extracts contain high-levels of phenolic compounds like rosmarinic acid, flavonoids (e.g., apigenin, luteolin) and unsaturated fatty acids. These afford free-radical scavenging and oxidative-stress mitigation.

  • Anti-Inflammatory & Soothing: Studies report that perilla leaf extract suppressed inflammatory enzymes (e.g., NO, COX-2), reduced mast-cell infiltration and down-regulated pro-inflammatory cytokines in skin models.

  • Barrier & Skin-Shield Support: The seed form (and oil thereof) is rich in omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid and linoleic acid; this supports barrier-lipid synthesis, improves hydration retention and refines texture. Tone / Clarifying / Calm-Complexion Support: Emerging evidence suggests that perilla may help calm redness, reduce sensitised skin responses, and support an even-tone appearance. UV / Environmental Stress

  • Resilience: One study found that perilla leaf extract improved keratinocyte response to UVB exposure, implying benefit for photo-aged or stressed skin. 

Suitability & Target Skin Types

Perilla extract is highly versatile. It is especially beneficial for:

  • Sensitive, red or reactive skin needing calming support

  • Oily or combination skin where barrier and texture support is needed

  • Environmental-stress exposed skin (pollution, UV) seeking antioxidant and resilience support

  • Mature or dehydrated skin where antioxidant and barrier-repair support are advantageous
    Because of its gentle yet active nature, perilla extract fits well in everyday skincare as well as calming treatments. As always, patch-testing is recommended for highly sensitive skin.

Key Benefits of Perilla Seed Extract in Skincare

  • Unmatched Omega-3 Content: With up to 60% Alpha-Linolenic Acid, it provides deeper nourishment and more significant anti-inflammatory benefits than most traditional carrier oils.
  • Redness and Allergy Relief: Rich in rosmarinic acid and luteolin, it acts as a natural antihistamine for the skin, making it an ideal ingredient for those with rosacea, eczema, or seasonal skin allergies.
  • Potent Antioxidant Protection: It contains high levels of polyphenols and Vitamin E, which neutralize free radicals caused by UV exposure and pollution, preventing "inflamm-aging."
  • Collagen Preservation: Recent studies suggest that Perilla seed extract can inhibit collagenase (the enzyme that breaks down collagen), helping to maintain skin firmness and elasticity.
  • Lightweight & Fast-Absorbing: Despite its high lipid content, it has a "dry oil" feel that penetrates the skin quickly without leaving a heavy or greasy residue.

Properties

Anti-inflammatory, Anti-allergic

INCI Name

Glycerin and Perilla fruitescens Seed Extract

FAQs

What is Perilla frutescens seed extract?
It is a nutrient-dense oil extracted from the seeds of the Korean Perilla (Shiso) plant. In the beauty world, it is prized for its exceptionally high concentration of essential fatty acids and skin-calming phenolic compounds.
Is Perilla seed extract good for acne-prone skin?
Yes. It is naturally antibacterial and has a low comedogenic rating. Because it is high in Linoleic and Alpha-Linolenic acids, it helps balance the sebum quality in acne-prone individuals, who often have a deficiency in these specific fatty acids.
How does it help with sensitive skin or rosacea?
Perilla contains rosmarinic acid, a powerful anti-inflammatory that helps "turn off" the skin's inflammatory response. This makes it highly effective at reducing the heat, itching, and redness associated with sensitive skin and rosacea
Can Perilla seed extract replace my daily moisturizer?
While it is an excellent emollient, it works best when applied over a humectant (like Hyaluronic Acid or Glycerin). It acts as an "occlusive" layer that seals in hydration and repairs the lipid barrier.
Does Perilla extract have anti-aging properties?
Absolutely. By inhibiting the enzymes that degrade collagen and providing a massive dose of antioxidants, it helps prevent fine lines, sun spots, and the loss of skin "bounce" caused by environmental stress.
Can I use it on my hair and scalp?
Yes! It is a fantastic treatment for a dry, itchy scalp due to its antiseptic properties. For hair, its lightweight Omega-3s add shine and help mend split ends without weighing down fine strands.
Will it make my skin look greasy?
No. Perilla is considered a "thin" or "dry" oil. It has a high rate of skin penetration, meaning it sinks in quickly to provide a velvet-like finish rather than sitting on top of the skin like heavier oils (such as Coconut or Olive oil).
How should I incorporate it into my routine?
If you are using a pure extract or oil, apply it as the last step of your nighttime routine to lock in your serums. If it is an ingredient in a cream or serum, use it after cleansing and toning.
Does it help with hyperpigmentation?
es, to an extent. The luteolin and polyphenols in Perilla help inhibit melanogenesis (the process of pigment creation), which can lead to a more even skin tone and a reduction in the appearance of dark spots over time.