Common Name(s): Cordycepin,cordycepin,3'-deoxyadenosine,mtor inhibitor anti-aging adenosine analogue
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Inhibits mtorc1 pathway through ampk activation for cellular autophagy and anti-aging quality control, activates adenosine receptors for anti-inflammatory activity, and provides antiviral activity from dna polymerase competition.
Why It's Used: Cordycepin is the only commercially accessible mtor pathway modulator from natural origin โ the mtor pathway is the most clinically validated anti-aging target (rapamycin extends lifespan across model organisms) and cordycepin provides this mechanism from a cosmetically acceptable source.
How It Works: Cordycepin: ampk activation โ mtorc1 raptor phosphorylation (inhibitory) โ s6k1 and 4e-bp1 dephosphorylation โ reduced anabolic protein synthesis โ autophagy induction โ cellular quality control. a2a receptor agonism โ camp โ pka โ anti-inflammatory gene expression. dna chain termination (3'-oh absent) โ antiviral activity.
Typically Found In: Anti-aging,anti-inflammatory,medicinal mushroom
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ antioxidant
Secondary Functions: Free radical scavenging,anti-aging
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.001%โ0.5%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Plant-derived extract or synthetic.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ 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
Cordycepin tissue stability: adenosine deaminase rapidly converts cordycepin to 3'-deoxyinosine in plasma but slower in skin โ topical application provides prolonged local cordycepin activity before metabolic inactivation.
Last Verified: 2026-03-22
Primary Sources: Cosing database,cordycepin 3'-deoxyadenosine mtor anti-aging review