Triterpene saponin from horse chestnut seeds. Tightens capillary walls, reduces local edema and often features in eye creams and dark-circle products.
Topical application
BLimited evidence. One RCT or several controlled studies with limitations.
Venotonic with systemic evidence in venous insufficiency. Topical effect for under-eye puffiness is backed only by small studies.
Escin (Aescin) is a triterpene saponin mix from horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) seeds. Used systemically for chronic venous insufficiency and hemorrhoids (in Spain – Venoruton, Reparil). In cosmetics it appears in eye-area creams and dark-circle products. Mechanism. Tightens capillary walls, reduces their permeability and lymphatic leakage. On skin this reduces periorbital edema and smooths under-eye bags. Provides mild anti-inflammatory action by inhibiting hyaluronidase and elastase. Where applied. Eye-area creams and serums (0.1-1%), products for dark circles and couperose, post-op leg vein creams. In Spain it appears in Sesderma Factor G Eye Contour, Mesoestetic Eye Contour. Evidence base. For systemic use in CVI, Cochrane Review 2012 (Pittler) confirmed moderate effect on leg edema. Topical cosmetic use rests mainly on manufacturer studies – 50 women with dark circles showed reduced pigmentation and puffiness over 8 weeks with 0.5% escin + caffeine (Roh 2007). Independent RCTs are few. Safety. CIR confirmed safety at cosmetic concentrations (2014). Irritation possible in sensitive skin. Allergic reactions are rare. Pregnancy – use with caution: topical cosmetic concentrations are acceptable but direct data are sparse. Systemic (oral) escin is contraindicated in the first trimester. No lactation data.
Irritation potential
LowAllergen risk
LowPregnancy
CautionSuitable for
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Escin should be used with caution during pregnancy. Consulting a dermatologist or OB-GYN is advisable.
Escin suits: normal, dry, oily, combination. Use with caution in: sensitive.
Triterpene saponin from horse chestnut seeds.
The INCI name is Escin. It may also appear as: Aescin, Эсцин.
Published: · updated:
Use with caution