Common Name(s): Black cohosh root extract,cimicifuga racemosa extract

CAS Number: 84776-26-1

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides non-estrogenic selective estrogen receptor modulating activity for menopausal skin support.

Why It's Used: Menopausal skin support without phytoestrogens — black cohosh's unique serm-like (selective estrogen receptor modulator) activity provides menopausal skin support through serotonin receptor modulation rather than hormonal er binding.

How It Works: Triterpene glycosides activate serotonin 5-ht7 receptor (not er) for non-hormonal menopausal support. also activates mu-opioid receptors for anti-inflammatory activity. anti-oxidant via cycloartane radical scavenging. historically used for menopausal hot flushes via hypothalamic serotonin modulation.

Typically Found In: Menopausal skincare,anti-aging women's formulas

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – phytoestrogen alternative

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–3%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional - supplier confirmation required

Halal Status: Unverified - supplier confirmation required

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: the record's own source_notes does not assert a non-animal origin, or instructs the reader to verify with the supplier; "yes" asserts knowledge the record does not hold. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Rare hepatotoxicity cases reported at high oral doses. topical cosmetic use at low concentrations is distinct from high-dose oral supplementation. commission e approved (germany) for menopausal symptoms at controlled oral doses.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Black cohosh's misattribution as a phytoestrogen (based on early hplc misidentification of formononetin) was corrected when subsequent studies showed its triterpene glycosides do not bind er-alpha or er-beta. the actual mechanism (serotonin 5-ht7 receptor agonism) explains its menopausal efficacy via thermoregulatory serotonin pathways rather than hormonal substitution — demonstrating the importance of accurate mechanism identification for appropriate formulation positioning.

Last Verified: 2026-03-12

Primary Sources: Cosing database,borrelli & ernst black cohosh mechanism review