Research and prospects of Anoectochilus roxburghii in the field of skin care

This review systematically summarizes the research progress and future prospects of Anoectochilus roxburghii in skincare applications. As a medicine-food homologous plant, A. roxburghii is rich in bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, flavonoids, kinsenosides, sterols, terpenoids, alkaloids, and volatile oils. These constituents may contribute to multiple skin-beneficial activities, especially antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, barrier-repairing, and skin-brightening effects. The review discusses how these compounds may protect skin cells by scavenging reactive oxygen species, activating antioxidant pathways, inhibiting NF-κB/MAPK-mediated inflammation, supporting barrier-related functions, and regulating melanogenesis. It further examines potential cosmetic applications, such as essences, creams, lotions, gels, masks, and soothing ointments. Importantly, the article also addresses current limitations, including insufficient high-quality clinical evidence, variability in extract composition, incomplete topical safety data, and formulation challenges. Overall, it provides a “mechanism-to-product” framework for developing A. roxburghii as a functional natural cosmetic ingredient.