Ingredient review
Perilla Juice
INCI: PERILLA FRUTESCENS JUICE
A gentle, plant-based ingredient that helps calm irritation and protect skin from environmental stress.
In plain English
Perilla juice is the liquid pressed from the leaves of the perilla plant (also called shiso). It's rich in natural antioxidants like rosmarinic acid and flavonoids, which help defend your skin against damage from pollution and UV exposure. It also has soothing properties that can reduce redness and sensitivity, making it a nice addition for those with reactive or easily irritated skin. Think of it as a gentle, hydrating tonic for your skin.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Potentially useful with some tradeoffs
The evidence base is still emerging, so marketing claims deserve extra caution.
Risk flags are low for most users, though the finished product can still irritate.
- Source
- natural
- Evidence
- emerging
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Perilla Juice is generally a lower-concern ingredient when the full formula suits your skin.
Plain-English read
Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Perilla Juice.
- Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
- Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.
Score terms in plain English
Irritation risk
lowLess likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.
Clogging risk
lowLess likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.
Evidence level
emergingThe ingredient may be promising, but claims should be treated more cautiously.
What it is
Perilla frutescens juice is the expressed liquid from the leaves of the perilla plant, a member of the mint family. It contains water-soluble compounds including polyphenols, flavonoids (such as luteolin and apigenin), and rosmarinic acid, which contribute to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.
How it works
In a cosmetic product, perilla juice delivers antioxidants directly to the skin surface. These compounds neutralize free radicals (unstable molecules that can damage skin cells) caused by UV rays and pollution. The juice also provides a mild humectant effect, helping to attract and retain moisture in the outer skin layers, while its anti-inflammatory components can calm redness and irritation.
Pros
Calming for sensitive skin
Perilla juice contains rosmarinic acid, which has been shown to reduce inflammation and soothe redness, making it a good choice for those with easily irritated skin.
Antioxidant protection
The flavonoids in perilla juice help neutralize free radicals, potentially reducing the visible effects of pollution and UV exposure over time.
Cons and cautions
Limited research
While perilla has a history of use in traditional medicine, there are few peer-reviewed studies specifically on its topical cosmetic benefits, so evidence is still emerging.
Potential allergen
As a member of the mint family, perilla may cause allergic reactions in rare cases, especially in individuals with known plant allergies.
Best for
- People with sensitive or reactive skin looking for a calming ingredient
- Anyone wanting extra antioxidant protection in their routine
Use caution if
- Individuals with a known allergy to mint family plants (Lamiaceae)
Usage tips
Safety summary
Perilla juice is considered safe for topical use with a low risk of irritation. As with any plant-derived ingredient, patch testing is recommended for those with sensitive skin or known allergies to mint family plants.
Research notes
Research on perilla's topical benefits is limited but promising. In vitro studies show antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, but human clinical trials on cosmetic formulations are scarce. Most evidence comes from traditional use and preliminary lab data.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1-10% in leave-on products
- Regulatory status
- Generally recognized as safe for cosmetic use in the US and EU when used as a juice or extract at typical concentrations.
- Common uses
- Serums, Toners, Moisturizers, Mists
- Environmental note
- Perilla is a fast-growing, low-impact crop that requires minimal pesticides, making it a relatively sustainable botanical source.
Good to know
- Perilla juice is often used in Korean skincare for its soothing and brightening properties.
- The plant is also a culinary herb in Asian cuisine, known as shiso or beefsteak plant.
Common questions
What is Perilla Juice in beauty products?
Perilla juice is the liquid pressed from the leaves of the perilla plant (also called shiso). It's rich in natural antioxidants like rosmarinic acid and flavonoids, which help defend your skin against damage from pollution and UV exposure. It also has soothing properties that can reduce redness and sensitivity, making it a nice addition for those with reactive or easily irritated skin. Think of it as a gentle, hydrating tonic for your skin.
What does Perilla Juice do in a beauty product?
In a cosmetic product, perilla juice delivers antioxidants directly to the skin surface. These compounds neutralize free radicals (unstable molecules that can damage skin cells) caused by UV rays and pollution. The juice also provides a mild humectant effect, helping to attract and retain moisture in the outer skin layers, while its anti-inflammatory components can calm redness and irritation.
Is Perilla Juice safe for most people?
Perilla juice is considered safe for topical use with a low risk of irritation. As with any plant-derived ingredient, patch testing is recommended for those with sensitive skin or known allergies to mint family plants.
Who should be careful with Perilla Juice?
Individuals with a known allergy to mint family plants (Lamiaceae)
Research sources
Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.