Sonchus asper and Its Potential in Cosmetics—A Review

Sonchus asper (L.) Hill is a widely distributed plant traditionally used as both a food source and a medicinal herb. In recent years, increasing interest in natural, safe, and effective cosmetic ingredients has highlighted the potential of plant-derived bioactive compounds. This review provides an overview of the biological properties of S. asper, with particular emphasis on its relevance in cosmetic applications. The plant is characterized by a rich profile of primary and secondary metabolites, including amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, phenolic acids, flavonoids, coumarins, and terpenoids. These compounds contribute to a broad spectrum of biological activities, such as strong free radical scavenging activity, modulation of inflammatory pathways, and inhibition of the growth of selected skin-associated pathogens, suggesting its potential as a multifunctional cosmetic ingredient.