Common Name(s): 3beta-hydroxy-lup-20(29)-en-28-oic acid,betulin acid

CAS Number: 472-15-1

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides melanoma-selective anti-tumor and anti-hiv antiviral activity from birch bark betulinic acid.

Why It's Used: Melanoma-targeting birch active — betulinic acid's selective melanoma cell apoptosis induction (while sparing normal melanocytes) provides a unique skin-specific anti-tumor mechanism from birch bark.

How It Works: Selectively induces apoptosis in melanoma cells via mitochondrial pathway (activation of bcl-2 family members) while sparing non-melanoma cells. anti-hiv via hiv-1 integrase inhibition. anti-inflammatory via nf-kb inhibition. antimicrobial vs s. aureus and mycobacterium.

Typically Found In: Anti-melanoma support skincare,anti-aging products,birch botanical skincare

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – antioxidant

Secondary Functions: Free radical scavenging,anti-aging

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–2%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – from birch (betula pendula/papyrifera) bark

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Plant-derived extract or synthetic.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; well-tolerated.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Vitamin c,vitamin e,ferulic acid,spf,other antioxidants

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Betulinic acid's melanoma selectivity (inducing apoptosis specifically in melanoma cells vs normal melanocytes) was extensively studied for pharmaceutical anticancer development (inca-x, nci investigation). the selectivity arises from melanoma cells' unique mitochondrial membrane composition that sensitises them to betulinic acid's mitochondrial apoptosis pathway — a tumor-specific metabolic vulnerability exploited by this birch bark triterpene.

Last Verified: 2026-03-12

Primary Sources: Cosing database,kessler et al. betulinic acid anti-melanoma study