Development on potential skin anti-aging agents of Cosmos caudatus Kunth via inhibition of collagenase, MMP-1 and MMP-3 activities

•Specific nontoxic fractions from Cosmos caudatus (CC) exerts antioxidant properties.•These fractions inhibit collagenase, MMP-1 & MMP-3 expressions in CCD-966SK cells.•14 compounds are identified from CC fractions with skin anti-aging properties.•CC chemical fingerprint is established by quantifying 8 major & bioactive markers.•Flavonoids comprised CC fractions synergistically suppressed MMP-3 expression.