β-Ursolic acid

Beta-ursolic acid (CAS 77-52-1), also known under the trade names Malol and Urson, is a naturally occurring pentacyclic triterpenoid acid isolated primarily from the waxy coatings of fruits, leaves, and herbs. It carries no assigned E-code and is classified under organic acids with EC number 201-034-0.

In personal care formulations, ursolic acid functions as a skin conditioner and protectant by interacting with membrane lipids to reinforce the skin barrier, while its buffering capacity supports pH stabilisation in emulsion systems. In pharmaceutical and cosmetic manufacturing it also serves as a heat stabiliser, helping to protect sensitive active ingredients during processing.

Beta-ursolic acid is supplied as a white to light yellow crystalline powder or needle form, with purity grades available to meet cosmetic and pharmaceutical specification requirements under REACH compliance. It is classified under HS code 29181990. Procurement teams should confirm grade specifications and packaging formats directly with the supplier.