At ORY®, we believe you should know what’s in your products and why. This page lists the published research behind what we say about ginkgo biloba leaf extract. Each section starts with our claim, then tells you how well the research supports it, then lists the sources so you can read them yourself.
How to read this page Supported — backed by peer-reviewed research or official safety reviews. Supported, with caveats — the research points this way, but mostly from laboratory or animal studies, or at different strengths than ORY® uses. Limited evidence — little or no published research yet. We say so openly. |
1. General Description and Role
Claim: Ginkgo biloba leaf extract is a standardized extract rich in flavonoids and terpene lactones. In ORY® products, it adds antioxidant support and helps skin look smoother and more radiant. |
Verification: Supported. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded in 2024 that Ginkgo biloba leaf extract is safe when formulated to be non-sensitizing and said ginkgolic acid impurities should be limited.
Citations:
- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2024). Safety assessment of Ginkgo biloba-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 43(1 Suppl), 64S–81S (leaf extract safe when formulated to be non-sensitizing; ginkgolic acids should be limited; insufficient data for some other parts). https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818231210792
- What it shows: CIR safety assessment (2024).
- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2024). Safety assessment of Ginkgo biloba-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 43(1 Suppl), 64S–81S (leaf extract safe when formulated to be non-sensitizing; ginkgolic acids should be limited; insufficient data for some other parts). https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818231210792
2. Composition and Production
Claim: ORY® uses leaf extract standardized to about 24% flavone glycosides and 6% terpene lactones, with ginkgolic acids below 5 ppm. |
Verification: Supported. Composition is well documented in reviews.
Citations:
- Mahadevan, S., & Park, Y. (2008). Multifaceted therapeutic benefits of Ginkgo biloba L.: Chemistry, efficacy, safety, and uses. Journal of Food Science, 73(1), R14–R19. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1750-3841.2007.00597.x
- What it shows: Review of ginkgo chemistry.
- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2024). Safety assessment of Ginkgo biloba-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 43(1 Suppl), 64S–81S (leaf extract safe when formulated to be non-sensitizing; ginkgolic acids should be limited; insufficient data for some other parts). https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818231210792
- What it shows: Ginkgolic acid limit.
- Mahadevan, S., & Park, Y. (2008). Multifaceted therapeutic benefits of Ginkgo biloba L.: Chemistry, efficacy, safety, and uses. Journal of Food Science, 73(1), R14–R19. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1750-3841.2007.00597.x
3. Skin Type Suitability
Claim: Ginkgo extract suits most skin types. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. In a clinical comparison, a cream with ginkgo flavonoids improved measures of skin roughness, wrinkles, and moisture.
Citations:
- Chuarienthong, P., Lourith, N., & Leelapornpisid, P. (2010). Clinical efficacy comparison of anti-wrinkle cosmetics containing herbal flavonoids. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 32(2), 99–106. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2494.2010.00522.x
- What it shows: Clinical comparison of flavonoid creams.
- Chuarienthong, P., Lourith, N., & Leelapornpisid, P. (2010). Clinical efficacy comparison of anti-wrinkle cosmetics containing herbal flavonoids. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 32(2), 99–106. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2494.2010.00522.x
4. Hair and Scalp Suitability
Claim: In haircare, ginkgo extract adds antioxidant support to scalp products. |
Verification: Limited evidence. A mouse study reported hair regrowth with ginkgo leaves. That is animal research, and ORY® does not make hair-growth claims.
Citations:
- Kobayashi, N., Suzuki, R., Koide, C., Suzuki, T., Matsuda, H., & Kubo, M. (1993). Effect of leaves of Ginkgo biloba on hair regrowth in C3H strain mice. Yakugaku Zasshi, 113(10), 718–724 (in Japanese). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8254481/
- What it shows: Mouse study.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 310.527 — Drug products offered over-the-counter for external use as hair growers or for hair loss prevention. https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/21/310.527
- What it shows: FDA hair-growth rule.
- Kobayashi, N., Suzuki, R., Koide, C., Suzuki, T., Matsuda, H., & Kubo, M. (1993). Effect of leaves of Ginkgo biloba on hair regrowth in C3H strain mice. Yakugaku Zasshi, 113(10), 718–724 (in Japanese). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8254481/
5. Benefits
Claim: Ginkgo extract adds antioxidant support and helps skin look smoother. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. Reviews describe antioxidant and circulation effects, mostly from oral use; topical evidence is limited to small cosmetic studies.
Citations:
- Mahadevan, S., & Park, Y. (2008). Multifaceted therapeutic benefits of Ginkgo biloba L.: Chemistry, efficacy, safety, and uses. Journal of Food Science, 73(1), R14–R19. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1750-3841.2007.00597.x
- What it shows: Review (mostly oral use).
- Chuarienthong, P., Lourith, N., & Leelapornpisid, P. (2010). Clinical efficacy comparison of anti-wrinkle cosmetics containing herbal flavonoids. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 32(2), 99–106. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2494.2010.00522.x
- What it shows: Cosmetic study.
- Mahadevan, S., & Park, Y. (2008). Multifaceted therapeutic benefits of Ginkgo biloba L.: Chemistry, efficacy, safety, and uses. Journal of Food Science, 73(1), R14–R19. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1750-3841.2007.00597.x
6. Use Across ORY® Product Lines
Claim: Ginkgo extract is used in all four ORY® product lines; in soap it adds label value or color. |
Verification: Supported. It is added at cool-down in preserved products.
| Product line | Typical level | How ORY® uses it |
| Skincare | 0.5–3% | Antioxidant serums and creams, eye creams, and masks. |
| Haircare | 0.5–2% | Scalp tonics and shampoos. |
| Handmade Soap | 0.5–1% | Extract or leaf powder for label value and color. |
| Cosmetics | 0.5–1% | Foundations, eye creams, and primers. |
Citations:
- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2024). Safety assessment of Ginkgo biloba-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 43(1 Suppl), 64S–81S (leaf extract safe when formulated to be non-sensitizing; ginkgolic acids should be limited; insufficient data for some other parts). https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818231210792
- What it shows: Reported uses.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 701.20 — Definition of “soap” (only true soap, made mainly of alkali salts of fatty acids and sold only as soap, is exempt from cosmetic rules). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-701/subpart-B/section-701.20
- What it shows: FDA definition of soap; other bars are cosmetics.
- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2024). Safety assessment of Ginkgo biloba-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 43(1 Suppl), 64S–81S (leaf extract safe when formulated to be non-sensitizing; ginkgolic acids should be limited; insufficient data for some other parts). https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818231210792
7. Pros
Claim: A standardized botanical with a CIR safety conclusion. |
Verification: Supported. Supported by CIR review.
Citations:
- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2024). Safety assessment of Ginkgo biloba-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 43(1 Suppl), 64S–81S (leaf extract safe when formulated to be non-sensitizing; ginkgolic acids should be limited; insufficient data for some other parts). https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818231210792
- What it shows: Safety.
- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2024). Safety assessment of Ginkgo biloba-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 43(1 Suppl), 64S–81S (leaf extract safe when formulated to be non-sensitizing; ginkgolic acids should be limited; insufficient data for some other parts). https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818231210792
8. Cons
Claim: Ginkgo requires standardized, low-ginkgolic-acid extract, and hair evidence is from animals. |
Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:
- Ginkgolic acids. Must be removed.
- Hair evidence is animal.
- Cost.
- Brown tint.
Citations:
- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2024). Safety assessment of Ginkgo biloba-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 43(1 Suppl), 64S–81S (leaf extract safe when formulated to be non-sensitizing; ginkgolic acids should be limited; insufficient data for some other parts). https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818231210792
- What it shows: Impurity limit.
- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2024). Safety assessment of Ginkgo biloba-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 43(1 Suppl), 64S–81S (leaf extract safe when formulated to be non-sensitizing; ginkgolic acids should be limited; insufficient data for some other parts). https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818231210792
9. Safety Notes
Claim: Patch test before use; for external use only. |
Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:
- Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
- Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs, and talk to a healthcare provider.
- For external use only. Avoid the eyes unless the product is made for the eye area.
- If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, ask a healthcare provider before use.
Citations:
- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2024). Safety assessment of Ginkgo biloba-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 43(1 Suppl), 64S–81S (leaf extract safe when formulated to be non-sensitizing; ginkgolic acids should be limited; insufficient data for some other parts). https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818231210792
- What it shows: Safety conclusion.
- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2024). Safety assessment of Ginkgo biloba-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 43(1 Suppl), 64S–81S (leaf extract safe when formulated to be non-sensitizing; ginkgolic acids should be limited; insufficient data for some other parts). https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818231210792
10. Product-line notes
- ORY® Skincare: For external use only. Not for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
- ORY® Haircare: Designed for the look and feel of hair and scalp comfort. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss. If you notice sudden or patchy hair loss, see a dermatologist.
- ORY® Handmade Soap: Ginkgo is used in some bars for label value or color. Handmade soap is naturally alkaline, and each bar may vary slightly. Not intended to treat any skin condition.
- ORY® Cosmetics: Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.
11. References
Peer-reviewed research
- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2024). Safety assessment of Ginkgo biloba-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 43(1 Suppl), 64S–81S (leaf extract safe when formulated to be non-sensitizing; ginkgolic acids should be limited; insufficient data for some other parts). https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818231210792
- Chuarienthong, P., Lourith, N., & Leelapornpisid, P. (2010). Clinical efficacy comparison of anti-wrinkle cosmetics containing herbal flavonoids. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 32(2), 99–106. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2494.2010.00522.x
- Kobayashi, N., Suzuki, R., Koide, C., Suzuki, T., Matsuda, H., & Kubo, M. (1993). Effect of leaves of Ginkgo biloba on hair regrowth in C3H strain mice. Yakugaku Zasshi, 113(10), 718–724 (in Japanese). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8254481/
- Mahadevan, S., & Park, Y. (2008). Multifaceted therapeutic benefits of Ginkgo biloba L.: Chemistry, efficacy, safety, and uses. Journal of Food Science, 73(1), R14–R19. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1750-3841.2007.00597.x
Government and regulatory sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 310.527 — Drug products offered over-the-counter for external use as hair growers or for hair loss prevention. https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/21/310.527
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 701.20 — Definition of “soap” (only true soap, made mainly of alkali salts of fatty acids and sold only as soap, is exempt from cosmetic rules). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-701/subpart-B/section-701.20
