ORY® product lines:
☑ Skincare
☑ Haircare (scalp circulation)
◐ Handmade Soap (label value; leaf powder color)
☑ Cosmetics — dual-use botanical
Ginkgo biloba is the ancient “maidenhair tree,” a living fossil whose leaf extract is among the most studied botanicals in medicine for microcirculation and antioxidant defense. Its flavonoid glycosides (quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin) are potent free-radical scavengers and capillary protectors, and its unique terpene lactones (ginkgolides, bilobalide) improve blood flow and inhibit platelet-activating factor — the basis of its reviewed neuro- and vasoprotective uses [1]. In skincare, a ginkgo-flavonoid cream significantly improved skin roughness, wrinkles, and moisture in a clinical comparison of herbal anti-wrinkle cosmetics [2], and topical ginkgo leaf extract promoted hair regrowth in an animal model [3], supporting its use in scalp tonics where circulation matters. Standardized, low-ginkgolic-acid extracts (ginkgolic acids are allergenic) are essential.
What is Ginkgo Biloba Extract made of?
Ginkgo extract is prepared by hydro-alcoholic extraction of dried leaves and standardized (EGb 761-type: 24% flavone glycosides, 6% terpene lactones, ginkgolic acid <5 ppm). Constituents [1]:
- Flavone glycosides (quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin): Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, capillary-strengthening.
- Terpene lactones (ginkgolides A, B, C; bilobalide): Microcirculation, PAF inhibition, neuroprotection [1].
- Proanthocyanidins, organic acids: Supporting antioxidants.
- Ginkgolic acids (removed to <5 ppm): Alkylphenol allergens; standardized extracts exclude them.
- Water/glycerin-soluble; pH 4–7; add at cool-down; use 0.5–3%.
What skin type is best suited for Ginkgo Biloba Extract?
Ginkgo suits all seven ORY® skin types, with the strongest case for mature, dull, and redness-prone skin:
- Mature: Improved roughness, wrinkles, and moisture in clinical comparison [2].
- Sensitive: Capillary-strengthening flavonoids for redness-prone skin; anti-inflammatory.
- Combination: Antioxidant, circulation-boosting serums for dull skin.
- Normal: Daily antioxidant defense.
- Dry: Improved moisture [2].
- Oily: Water-based extract in light serums.
- Acne-prone: Anti-inflammatory support.
What hair type is best suited for Ginkgo Biloba Extract?
Ginkgo is a circulation-supporting scalp botanical:
- Mature or thinning: Hair regrowth in an animal model [3]; microcirculation support; cosmetic claims.
- Sensitive scalp: Anti-inflammatory, capillary support.
- Oily scalp: Light antioxidant tonic.
- Dandruff-prone scalp: Antioxidant support alongside antifungals.
- Straight, wavy, curly, coily, dry or damaged, color-treated: Scalp-tonic addition for all.
What are the benefits of Ginkgo Biloba Extract?
Ginkgo’s benefits are supported by pharmacological review, clinical comparison, and animal study [1–3]:
- Antioxidant: Flavonoid glycosides scavenge free radicals [1].
- Microcirculation: Terpene lactones improve blood flow — radiance and scalp nourishment [1].
- Anti-wrinkle and moisturizing: Clinical improvement in roughness, wrinkles, and moisture [2].
- Capillary strengthening: Reduces redness and fragility.
- Anti-inflammatory: PAF inhibition and flavonoids [1].
- Hair regrowth support: Animal-model evidence [3].
- Collagen protection: Antioxidant defense of dermal matrix.
Dual use across ORY® product lines
Ginkgo extract serves skincare, haircare, and cosmetics; in soap it provides label value.
| ORY® line | Dual use? | How it is used | Typical level |
|---|---|---|---|
|
ORY® Skincare |
Yes |
Antioxidant and anti-wrinkle serums and creams, redness-calming products, eye creams (circulation), radiance masks. |
0.5–3% |
|
ORY® Haircare |
Yes |
Scalp tonics and serums for thinning hair (with caffeine, rosemary), shampoos. |
0.5–2% |
|
ORY® Handmade Soap |
Limited |
Extract at trace or leaf powder for label value/green flecks. |
0.5–1% |
|
ORY® Cosmetics |
Yes |
Antioxidant foundations, eye creams and concealers (circulation), primers. |
0.5–1% |
Pros and cons of Ginkgo Biloba Extract
Pros
Cons
- Clinical anti-wrinkle comparison: [2].
- Circulation mechanism: Radiance and scalp [1].
- Deep pharmacological literature: [1].
- Standardized extracts available: Consistent.
- Skin and scalp: Dual utility.
- Ginkgolic-acid allergen: Require <5 ppm standardized extract.
- Hair evidence is animal: Cosmetic claims.
- Cost: Standardized extract is premium.
- Color: Brown tint.
- Oral drug interactions are not topical concerns: Clarify for customers.
What is the best application of Ginkgo Biloba Extract?
Ginkgo is a daily antioxidant and circulation active:
- Anti-wrinkle serum: 1–2% with peptides [2].
- Redness-calming cream: 1% with Centella and bisabolol.
- Eye cream: 0.5–1% with caffeine.
- Scalp tonic: 1–2% with caffeine and rosemary [3].
- Radiance mask: 2%.
- Cosmetics: 0.5% in foundation or concealer.
Peer-reviewed references
- Mahadevan S, Park Y. Multifaceted therapeutic benefits of Ginkgo biloba L.: chemistry, efficacy, safety, and uses. Journal of Food Science. 2008;73(1):R14–R19.
- Chuarienthong P, Lourith N, Leelapornpisid P. Clinical efficacy comparison of anti-wrinkle cosmetics containing herbal flavonoids. International Journal of Cosmetic Science. 2010;32(2):99–106.
- Kobayashi N, Suzuki R, Koide C, Suzuki T, Matsuda H, Kubo M. Effect of leaves of Ginkgo biloba on hair regrowth in C3H strain mice. Yakugaku Zasshi. 1993;113(10):718–724.
Disclaimer:
The information on this page is provided by ORY International, LC for educational purposes only. It summarizes published research about ginkgo biloba leaf extract as an ingredient, including laboratory and animal studies and clinical studies of formulas that may differ from ORY® products. Results from these studies may not apply to every person or to ORY® products. This page is not medical advice and does not replace advice from a dermatologist, physician, or other qualified healthcare provider.
ORY® Skincare, Haircare, Handmade Soap, and Cosmetics products are cosmetics. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, mitigate, or prevent any disease or condition, including hair loss, androgenetic alopecia, thinning hair, wrinkles as a medical condition, or any other condition. References to FDA or Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) findings describe the ingredient, not ORY® products, and do not mean FDA has reviewed or approved any ORY® product.
Results vary by skin and scalp type, formulation, and use. Ginkgolic acids in unrefined ginkgo can cause allergy; ORY® uses extracts with ginkgolic acids removed. Any cosmetic can cause irritation, sometimes from other ingredients. Always patch test, follow label directions, and stop use if irritation occurs. If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, consult a healthcare provider before use.
ORY International, LC works to keep this page accurate and current but makes no warranty as to its completeness. To the fullest extent permitted by law, ORY International, LC is not liable for any loss or injury arising from reliance on this information or from use of any product contrary to its label directions. To report a reaction, contact us at [insert contact email / phone].
