Perilla Frutescens Leaf Extract
INCI: PERILLA FRUTESCENS LEAF EXTRACT
Reviewed by Rosie · Last updated 14 Aug 2026
A traditional herb extract with emerging research into skin resilience and inflammatory response
Best For Skin Types
All, Sensitive
Addresses
Usage Frequency
Daily
What Is Perilla Frutescens Leaf Extract?
Perilla frutescens leaf extract (PLE) comes from the leaves of the perilla plant, a herb used in East Asian traditional medicine for centuries. It's rich in flavonoids and other bioactive compounds that give it anti-inflammatory properties.
In skincare formulations, perilla leaf extract functions primarily as a skin conditioning agent and masking ingredient. It's used in a relatively small percentage of skincare products, suggesting it remains a niche ingredient with limited mainstream adoption.
How It Works
Perilla leaf extract works primarily through its flavonoid content, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds appear to reduce the production of inflammatory markers in skin cells and may help stabilise the proteins that give skin its structure and elasticity.
When exposed to UV damage or allergens, the extract may help modulate the skin's inflammatory response, potentially reducing excessive immune activation. The mechanism is still being characterised in human skin, but animal and cell-based studies suggest it operates at multiple points in the inflammation pathway.
Clinical Evidence & References
Research into perilla leaf extract's skin benefits remains limited, though the available studies are promising. In animal models and cell studies, PLE has shown the ability to reduce UV-induced damage to collagen and other structural proteins, and to reduce inflammatory markers in atopic dermatitis-type responses. A study in mice also found topical application reduced skin papilloma development, though this was in a tumour induction model.
It's important to note that most research has been conducted in laboratory or animal settings rather than human clinical trials. Evidence in human skin is therefore emerging rather than established. The ingredient appears to be well-tolerated, but more human studies would help clarify its practical benefits at concentrations used in cosmetic formulations.
Published Research
How to Use
Perilla leaf extract is typically found in serums, moisturisers and treatment products at low concentrations. As it's often one of several active ingredients in a formula, it works best as part of a comprehensive skincare routine. There's no evidence that concentration levels in cosmetic products require special application protocols; use according to your product's instructions.
Safety & Precautions
Frequently Asked Questions
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Perilla Frutescens Leaf Extract is a variant of Perilla Ocymoides Seed Extract, the form you will most often see on an ingredients list.
A plant-derived antioxidant from perilla seed that helps protect skin from environmental stress
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