Resveratrol
A polyphenol antioxidant found in grape skins, red wine, and Japanese knotweed. Resveratrol activates sirtuins — the same 'longevity genes' activated by caloric restriction — in skin cells. It has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and emerging research shows it can prevent UV-induced skin damage and support collagen production. Most effective when combined with other antioxidants.
Concentration & Usage
Concentrations: 0.5-2% in skincare products. Most stable when combined with vitamin E and formulated in anhydrous (water-free) or encapsulated systems. Apply at night (some evidence of photosensitivity). Often combined with other polyphenols (green tea, ferulic acid).
Application
Topical (serum, cream). Best in dark, airless packaging. Some products combine with vitamin E for stabilization.
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99%+ purity · third-party lab tested
Mechanism of Action
Resveratrol activates SIRT1 (sirtuin 1), a NAD+-dependent deacetylase that deacetylates histones and non-histone targets including p53, FOXO transcription factors, and NF-κB, regulating cellular stress response, DNA repair, autophagy, and inflammatory pathways in keratinocytes and fibroblasts. It scavenges superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical, and metal-induced free radicals through its phenolic hydroxyl groups. Resveratrol inhibits NF-κB nuclear translocation and downstream cytokine production (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6), reducing UV-induced inflammation. It inhibits tyrosinase (mild brightening), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9, gelatinase B) to prevent collagen and elastin breakdown, and AP-1 (c-Fos/c-Jun) to reduce photoaging-related gene expression. It may also activate Nrf2, upregulating antioxidant enzymes (HO-1, NQO1). Topical application achieves higher skin tissue concentrations than oral supplementation due to first-pass metabolism. Stability is improved in anhydrous or encapsulated formulations.
Regulatory Status
Cosmetic ingredient. Available OTC worldwide.
Risks & Safety
Common
May cause redness or irritation in sensitive skin. Stability concerns — degrades with light and air.
Serious
None.
Rare
Allergic reaction.
Compare Resveratrol With
Research Papers
10Published: January 4, 2022
AI Summary
The included studies showed promising results that resveratrol might be a feasible treatment approach to support wound healing, counteract excessive scarring, and even prevent photo-aging of the skin. Resveratrol represents an interesting and promising novel therapy regime but to confirm resveratrol-associated effects, more evidence based in vit...
Published: August 8, 2024
AI Summary
The results demonstrated that resveratrol promoted AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation to activate autophagy, reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, inhibit apoptosis, and restore normal cell cycle to alleviate UVA-induced photoaging.
Published: June 14, 2022
AI Summary
Based on the review of the literature, there is no doubt that resveratrol has the potential to be used in cosmetology, dermatology and plastic surgery. It can be used as a compound of anti-aging products or as a topical treatment of scars and wounds.
Published: March 14, 2021
AI Summary
The naturally occurring derivatives of resveratrol also exert a beneficial effect on the skin. The research data in the present study relates to the management of resveratrol for treating skin disorders and suggesting a way forward to achieve advancement in using it for cosmetic and dermatological purpose.
Published: February 27, 2019
AI Summary
Because resveratrol is generally  welltolerated, it is believed to be a promising compound in preventing many diseases, such as diabetes and its complications. Unfortunately, this compound exhibits low bioavailability and solubility.
Published: November 1, 2023
AI Summary
Resveratrol has gained interest since the term "French Paradox", which refers to improved cardiovascular outcomes despite a high-fat diet in the French population, was introduced. Resveratrol and its derivatives have demonstrated various health benefits.
Published: November 23, 2024
AI Summary
The search for effective chemopreventive and therapeutic agents has led to the exploration of natural compounds, among which resveratrol (RES), a polyphenolic phytoalexin found in grapes, berries, peanuts, and red wine, has garnered significant attention.
Published: June 12, 2018
AI Summary
Grapes are a prominent and promising source of phytochemicals, especially resveratrol, a phytoalexin antioxidant found in red grapes which has both chemopreventive and therapeutic effects against various ailments.
Published: October 27, 2021
AI Summary
While environmental factors such as UV and pollutants impact skin microbiota compositions, skin dysbiosis results in various skin conditions. We further introduce current knowledge on the possible roles of oxidative stress in skin pigmentation and aging, specifically with emphasis on oxidative stress and skin pigmentation.
Published: May 7, 2019
AI Summary
Its popularity in cosmetology and dermatology is primarily associated with proven ability to penetrate the skin barrier and antiaging activity. Moreover, resveratrol also has the antioxidant properties, thus can protect cells against oxidative damage associated with the effects of free radicals and UV radiation on the skin by reducing the expres...
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Resveratrol used for?
A polyphenol antioxidant found in grape skins, red wine, and Japanese knotweed. Resveratrol activates sirtuins — the same 'longevity genes' activated by caloric restriction — in skin cells. It has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and emerging research shows it can prevent UV-induced skin damage and support collagen production. Most effective when combined with other antioxidants.
What are the side effects of Resveratrol?
Common: May cause redness or irritation in sensitive skin. Stability concerns — degrades with light and air. Serious: None. Rare: Allergic reaction.
How is Resveratrol administered?
Resveratrol is administered via topical (serum, cream). best in dark, airless packaging. some products combine with vitamin e for stabilization..
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