Angelica Keiskei Leaf/Stem Extract
Ashitaba
No meaningful concern for most people; irritation is possible but rare.
Also written as: Ashitaba Extract · Angelica Keiskei Extract · Tomorrow's Leaf
What it is
Angelica keiskei, known in Japan as ashitaba or "tomorrow's leaf" for how quickly it regrows, is a leafy plant traditionally eaten and used medicinally. Its extracts contain chalcones such as xanthoangelol with antioxidant activity. It appears in Japanese and Korean antioxidant formulations.
What it does well
Provides antioxidant chalcones
Laboratory studies show antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity from its chalcone compounds. Controlled human trials on topical cosmetic use are essentially absent.
Limited evidence
Worth knowing
Related to plants that contain phototoxic compounds
The Apiaceae family includes species rich in furocoumarins, which can cause phototoxic reactions. Ashitaba leaf and stem extracts are not established as phototoxic at cosmetic levels, but data is limited.
Matters most toPeople with a history of plant-related phototoxic reactions.
Where the EU stands
No specific restriction
No EU concentration limit or annex restriction. Listed in the EU cosmetic ingredient database as a skin-conditioning ingredient.
