Also known as Bhringraj in ayurvedic tradition, this modest white-flowered herb, which grows along riverbanks and in moist soils, has been revered for centuries for its regenerating properties, both for the hair and the skin.
Today, modern dermatology has rediscovered its potential, recognizing in it a true bio-stimulating botanical active capable of improving skin health, modulating inflammation, and promoting cellular renewal.
Eclipta alba: the humble flower that rejuvenates the skin
The use of Eclipta alba has been documented for more than 3,000 years in Ayurvedic medicine, where it was considered a “rasayana” plant—meaning one that promotes youth and longevity. Traditionally, it was used to treat liver disorders, strengthen hair, and purify the blood.
Classical Ayurvedic texts describe it as “the rejuvenator of hair and skin,” and modern science has quickly confirmed the biochemical basis of these claims. With advances in phytomedicine, its extracts have been shown to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, regenerating, and photoprotective actions, making it a highly valuable ingredient for aesthetic medicine and advanced cosmetics.
Biochemical composition
The efficacy of Eclipta alba lies in its rich combination of phytochemicals with powerful biological activity:
- Wedelolactone and demethylwedelolactone: coumarin compounds with anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective properties that regulate cellular oxidative response.
- Flavonoids (luteolin, apigenin): antioxidants that neutralize free radicals and protect dermal structures from environmental stress.
- Polysaccharides and triterpenes: stimulate tissue regeneration and collagen synthesis.
- Alkaloids and phytosterols: with soothing, balancing, and sebum-regulating properties.
The synergy between these compounds makes Eclipta alba extract a natural ally against photoaging, hyperpigmentation, and loss of firmness.
Actions on the skin
The main interest of Eclipta alba in aesthetic medicine lies in its ability to stimulate cellular repair processes and protect the skin tissue from external aggressors. Its effects can be summarized as follows:
- Antioxidant activity: neutralizes free radicals generated by ultraviolet radiation, pollution, and oxidative stress, delaying visible signs of aging.
- Stimulation of collagen and elastin synthesis: through fibroblast activation, it improves skin firmness and texture.
- Inflammation regulation: reduces redness and soothes sensitive or irritated skin after aesthetic procedures.
- Gentle depigmenting action: modulates tyrosinase activity, helping to even out skin tone.
- Detoxifying effect: its liver affinity also promotes better elimination of skin toxins, providing radiance and uniformity to the complexion.
Uses in aesthetic medicine
Eclipta alba extract is used in various dermatological formulations and medical-aesthetic protocols thanks to its excellent tolerance and revitalizing effect:
- Anti-aging treatments: incorporated into creams, serums, and masks with firming action, ideal for mature, tired, or sun-exposed skin.
- Post-procedure recovery: its anti-inflammatory action makes it suitable after laser treatments, chemical peels, or mesotherapy, reducing erythema and accelerating tissue regeneration.
- Depigmenting and antioxidant protocols: helps even skin tone and prevent spots associated with photoaging.
- Medical-aesthetic hair care: used in follicular stimulation treatments, as it improves scalp microcirculation and reduces hair loss. At Sisneo, we use it as an ingredient in Hairactive due to its ability to slow down hair loss.
Synergies and professional formulations
In the field of advanced aesthetics, Eclipta alba enhances its effectiveness when combined with other natural actives and biomedical technologies:
- With hyaluronic acid: reinforces hydration and prolongs the repairing action of facial treatments.
- With niacinamide and vitamin C: enhances its antioxidant and depigmenting effects.
- With LED phototherapy: red and amber light amplify the extract’s regenerative and anti-inflammatory response.
In professional cabin treatments, it can be applied through transdermal electroporation, iontophoresis, or low-intensity radiofrequency, optimizing its penetration into deeper layers without the need for needles.
Clinical studies and traditional experience agree that Eclipta alba is highly safe and well-tolerated, even by sensitive skin. Its natural origin, free of irritating compounds, makes it especially suitable for those seeking effective treatments without skin aggression.
Commitment to quality
This text about Eclipta alba has been prepared by professional writers. In addition, we have relied on experts in medicine, engineering and aesthetics as a source of information, as well as specific studies to maintain the quality of what we publish.
At Sisneo Bioscience we are committed to publish truthful and contrasted information. And to update or correct it as soon as new knowledge becomes available.
Among others, we have used the following sources:
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- Audrey Le Cabec, Souhila Messaili, Cyril Colas, Pierre-Eric Campos, Emilie Destandau. Phytochemical profiling and evaluation of the anti-aging and anti-inflammatory potential of cultivated Eclipta alba (L.). South African Journal of Botany. Volume 163, 2023, Pages 595-608, ISSN 0254-6299. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2023.11.010.
- Yadav NK, Arya RK, Dev K, Sharma C, Hossain Z, Meena S, Arya KR, Gayen JR, Datta D, Singh RK. Alcoholic Extract of Eclipta alba Shows In Vitro Antioxidant and Anticancer Activity without Exhibiting Toxicological Effects. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2017;2017:9094641. doi: 10.1155/2017/9094641. Epub 2017 Jan 31. PMID: 28250894; PMCID: PMC5307245.