So-called “plant extracts” are products obtained by physically and chemically extracting and separating specific active ingredients—either one or several—from plants, based on the intended use of the final extracted product. These extracts are concentrated and selectively isolated without altering the chemical structure of the active ingredients.

Plant extracts can be classified according to the different components of the plants from which they are extracted into glycosides, acids, polyphenols, polysaccharides, terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, and more. They can also be categorized based on their physical characteristics after extraction into vegetable oils, extracts, powders, crystals, and other forms.

Today, the application scope of plant extracts has become remarkably broad. Beyond their traditional use in traditional Chinese medicine products, as people’s trust in and reliance on natural products continue to grow, plant extracts are now widely employed in areas such as dietary supplements, food additives, cosmetics, and feed additives. In recent years, certain plant extracts have gained increasing popularity among consumers due to their unique, safe, and stable efficacy, and their prominence in the cosmetics industry has been steadily rising. As a result, plant extracts are emerging as a highly sought-after ingredient type in the cosmetics sector.

The following are the top ten plant extracts that are currently highly popular and widely used across various industries—including pharmaceuticals, food, health supplements, and cosmetics—whose efficacy and application scenarios combine scientific rigor with strong market acceptance:

1. Artemisinin—A Star in Malaria Treatment

Source: Leaves of Artemisia annua, a plant of the Asteraceae family

Core efficacy: Highly effective against malaria, acting by disrupting the membrane structure of the malaria parasite; the drug of choice worldwide for malaria treatment.

Applications: Antimalarial drugs (such as artemether and artesunate); derivative studies involve antitumor and anti-inflammatory effects.

Market Momentum: Boosted by the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, the global public health sector continues to pay close attention.

2. Tea Polyphenols — Natural Antioxidants

Source: Tea leaves (green tea, oolong tea, etc.)

Core benefits: Scavenging free radicals, anti-inflammatory, regulating blood lipids, and antibacterial.

Applications: Food additives (antioxidant, preservative), health supplements (anti-aging, prevention of cardiovascular diseases), skincare products (oil-control and acne treatment, anti-aging).

Data: In 2023, the global tea polyphenol market exceeded US$1.2 billion, with a compound annual growth rate of approximately 6.5%.

3. Ginsenosides — Tonic Active Ingredients

Source: Roots of Panax ginseng and American ginseng, plants of the Araliaceae family.

Core benefits: Immune support, anti-fatigue, blood sugar regulation, neuroprotection.

Applications: Health supplements (ginseng extract capsules, oral liquids); functional foods (energy drinks, baked goods); high-end skincare products (anti-aging series).

Trend: The Asian market is experiencing strong demand, and there’s growing interest in “adaptogen”-based products in the U.S. and Europe.

4. Ginkgo Biloba Extract —— A Guardian of Brain Health

Source: Ginkgo biloba leaves from the Ginkgoaceae family

Core efficacy: Improves cerebral blood flow, provides antioxidant protection, and slows cognitive decline; used for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.

Applications: Pharmaceutical preparations (such as Jinna Duo), health supplements (brain-boosting tablets), and cosmetics (to promote scalp blood circulation).

Market: The European Pharmacopoeia includes clear standards, and global annual sales exceed 1 billion USD.

5. Curcumin — The Golden Anti-inflammatory Ingredient

Source: Rhizome of Curcuma longa, a plant of the ginger family

Core benefits: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-tumor (with auxiliary effects on inhibiting cancer cell proliferation), and improvement of metabolic syndrome.

Applications: Functional foods (such as turmeric lattes and dietary supplements), skincare products (anti-inflammatory and acne-fighting), pet health supplements (joint care).

Technological Breakthrough: Nanodelivery technology addresses the issue of poor water solubility, boosting bioavailability by more than 30-fold.

6. Soy Isoflavones — Phytoestrogens

Source: Soybean seeds from the legume family

Core benefits: Regulates female endocrine system (relieves menopausal symptoms), prevents osteoporosis, and provides antioxidant protection.

Applications: Health supplements (menopausal conditioning tablets), food additives (functional dairy products), cosmetic ingredients (anti-aging essence).

Market: The Asian women’s health market is dominant, while the “plant-based” trend in North America is driving demand growth.

7. Chlorogenic Acid — A Metabolic Regulation Expert

Source: Honeysuckle plant Lonicera japonica and coffee fruit from the Asteraceae family

Core benefits: Lower blood sugar, lower lipids, anti-radiation, antibacterial.

Applications: Weight-loss dietary supplements (inhibiting carbohydrate absorption), functional beverages (such as pre-workout supplements), and natural preservatives (for the food industry).

Hot Topic: Research related to the prevention and treatment of “metabolic syndrome” is surging, and coffee extracts have become a cross-industry hot trend.

8. Rosemary Extract – Natural Preservative

Source: Leaves of Rosemary, a plant of the Lamiaceae family

Core benefits: Powerful antioxidant activity (superior to the synthetic antioxidant BHT), antibacterial properties, and improved memory.

Applications: Food industry (fats and oils, meat preservation), feed additives (as antibiotic alternatives), skincare products (antioxidant essences).

Policy-driven: The EU has approved it as a natural food additive (E392), boosting global market growth.

9. Rhodiola Rosea Extract—A Pioneer in Anti-Hypoxia Defense

Source: Root of Rhodiola crenulata, a plant of the Crassulaceae family.

Core benefits: anti-fatigue, hypoxia tolerance, immune regulation, and adaptation to high-altitude environments or high-intensity exercise.

Applications: Sports nutrition supplements (enhancing endurance), health supplements (anti-fatigue oral liquids), and functional tea beverages.

Market: The outdoor fitness boom is driving demand, and the “nootropics” market in North America is emerging as a new category.

10. Centella Asiatica Extract—A Skincare Repair Specialist

Source: The whole plant of Centella asiatica, a member of the Apiaceae family.

Core benefits: Promotes collagen synthesis, provides anti-inflammatory repair, and fades scars; used for the treatment of acne and eczema.

Applications: Skincare products (such as SkinCeuticals and Kiehl's Repair Series), medicinal ointments (for wound healing), and scalp care products (for hair loss prevention and hair growth).

Data: In 2023, the global market size for Centella asiatica extract reached US$420 million, with an annual growth rate exceeding 8%.

Market Trends and Technological Highlights

Functional Segmentation: Shifting from “broad-spectrum health care” to targeted needs (such as probiotics combined with plant extracts specifically designed for gut health).

Technological advancements: Techniques such as microencapsulation and supercritical CO₂ extraction enhance stability and bioavailability.

Sustainability: Organic farming and waste utilization—such as extracting chlorogenic acid from coffee grounds—have become new industry benchmarks.