Grapes and their derivatives are the most important natural sources of resveratrol. For this reason, they are gaining prominence in various industries, such as nutraceuticals, for the formulation of enriched foods and healthy and functional beverages; cosmetics, to make moisturising creams, serums and make-up that benefit the epidermis; and nutricosmetics, to develop nutritional supplements that enhance the health and beauty of skin and hair. But what makes resveratrol so attractive?
In this post we delve into the health benefits of resveratrol and its various uses in the cosmetics and nutricosmetics industry. We explain each of the key properties of this substance and detail why it is in such high demand.
- What is resveratrol?
- Properties of Resveratrol in grape juice: Why does it benefit the skin?
- Examples of cosmetic products and food supplements containing resveratrol from grape juice
- Where to obtain high quality grape juice?
What is grape resveratrol?
Resveratrol is one of a group of micronutrients in the plant kingdom called phenolic compounds. It is a substance that is produced naturally in plants and fruits as a defence mechanism against environmental aggressions, for example, high sunlight intensity or insect attack. In particular, it is found in remarkably high concentrations in grapes, grape juice and wine.
Resveratrol is known for its many health-promoting properties, especially its antioxidant, antitumour, antiviral, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, glucose-regulating, neuroprotective and other effects. It is therefore considered an excellent candidate for the development of nutraceuticals and pharmaceutical products that can prevent, or even treat, certain diseases.
Resveratrol is increasingly used in cosmetology, nutricosmetics and dermatology, particularly for its proven anti-ageing activity, its ability to penetrate the outer layer of the skin and its effectiveness in the treatment of certain conditions. This compound is a valuable ingredient, both for topical products such as serums and masks, and in the production of food supplements that allow the body to absorb the nutrients, antioxidants and bioactive compounds in resveratrol, which are capable of reducing inflammation and activating collagen production, among other properties.
Main uses of resveratrol in the cosmetic, nutricosmetic and dermatological sector
Increasingly, resveratrol from grapes and grape juice is being incorporated into creams, facial serums, masks, make-up products, food supplements in capsules, tablets or drinks, etc. There is a wide range of products to which this powerful antioxidant is added to benefit the skin and hair.
| Main effects of resveratrol | Use of grape resveratrol in the cosmetic and nutricosmetic industry | Example of products containing resveratrol |
| Benefiting skin health | – Improve elasticity and hydrate the skin. – Reduce inflammation and redness. – Delay ageing. – Improve skin texture and tone. – Eliminate blemishes. | Digestible capsules containing resveratrol and other nutrients to help balance skin, reduce scar marks, tighten pores and regulate sebum secretion. Resveratrol supplements that help repair DNA and act against ageing in the body. Moisturising creams, which also protect against solar radiation and reduce inflammation. Masks, which keep the skin hydrated, provide elasticity and reduce blemishes. Concealers and illuminators that correct hyperpigmentation. |
| Promoting a healthy hair cycle | – Reduction of androgens that cause hair loss. – Lower fasting insulin levels. – Reduced levels of inflammation in the body, etc. | Anti-hair loss serums, shampoo and other hair products for the regeneration of the scalp. |
Properties of Resveratrol in grape juice: Why does it benefit the skin?
The resveratrol present in grape juice concentrate has multiple properties that benefit the body as a whole. For example, it helps lower blood pressure, protects the body from strokes, lowers blood cholesterol and helps activate cells involved in promoting longevity. But let’s focus on the properties of resveratrol that benefit, protect and nourish the skin, to discover why it is used in the cosmetics and nutricosmetics industry:
Antioxidant Capacity
Resveratrol is one of the most powerful antioxidants capable of neutralising the free radicals that affect skin cells and accelerate skin ageing. It also increases the levels of antioxidants in the body so that the skin can better repair and defend itself. For this reason, it can protect the skin from sunlight and eliminate blemishes, among other properties.
Anti-wrinkle capacity
One of the ways resveratrol helps the skin is through its unique anti-ageing properties, such as DNA repair and cell renewal. It is also a substance that greatly stimulates the body’s production of collagen, which is the basic protein that gives skin firmness and elasticity. Consequently, resveratrol not only prevents wrinkles but can also significantly minimise and correct fine lines.
Antimicrobial property
Resveratrol also has the ability to inhibit the growth of certain bacteria and fungi that can cause skin disorders such as acne. Therefore, this natural component can be combined with other substances to work as a natural antiseptic and disinfect the skin, without drying or irritating it, or to increase the antibacterial capacity of certain components, such as benzoyl peroxide.
Anti-inflammatory capacity
Resveratrol has soothing abilities, so it can reduce inflammation in the skin. Specifically, it reduces the production of pro-inflammatory substances that cause swelling, itching, pain and redness in the skin.
Whitening property
This natural component present in grape juice concentrate also helps to treat skin hyperpigmentation. In fact, resveratrol inhibits the activity of the enzyme associated with the synthesis of melanin (the pigment that colours the skin), thus reducing the transfer of melanin to the cells of the epidermis. As a result, it lightens the skin, eliminates blemishes and evens skin tone.
Photoprotective property
Resveratrol helps the skin cope with environmental factors such as pollution and sunlight. For example, it protects cells against damage caused by free radicals and ultraviolet radiation. It even slows down the skin’s photo-ageing process (where solar radiation accelerates the signs of ageing).
Moisturising Property
Intake of resveratrol through dietary supplements or topical use in creams and serums has noticeable moisturising effects on the skin. The texture of the epidermis even becomes smoother.
Examples of cosmetic products and food supplements that contain resveratrol derived from grape juice
Cosmetic and nutricosmetic products on the market that use grapes or grape juice as a source of resveratrol and other polyphenols include the following:
- Dahliana Naturals Resveratrol Antioxidant Serum. A topical moisturiser made primarily from freshly squeezed organic grape juice. Designed to prevent premature skin ageing and reduce dark spots.
- Resveratrol juice from Nature’s Goodness Australia, which can be consumed with fruit and diluted in water. Made from the resveratrol extract found in grape skins.
- KAHINA face cream by Pretty Well Beauty. Made from resveratrol and other polyphenols from red grapes. Developed to repair and moisturise the skin and promote collagen production.
In addition to grapes and grape juice, the processing residues (grape skins, seeds and stems), also known as pomace, have nutritional, curative and preventive properties that make them a fully usable product in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and nutricosmetic industries. This has been demonstrated through multiple investigations by the AINIA Technology Centre, one of the largest in Europe and with extensive experience in R&D&I.
For example:
- Élixir de la Vigne is a nutricosmetic formula from the French brand VINESIME (oral ampoule). It is made from grape pomace extract and polyphenolic compounds from grape seeds (such as resveratrol), among other nutrients. Its main function is to moisturise the skin, correct wrinkles and even out skin tone.
Where to get high quality grape juice?
To obtain high quality grape juice concentrate, 100% authentic and with all the grape’s nutrients intact, it is necessary to have a supplier that controls the cultivation and harvesting process, uses advanced technology in quality analysis and guarantees the safety of the product.
At Julián Soler we produce white and red concentrated grape juice without additives or preservatives. We control the traceability of the entire process, from the harvesting of the grapes to their processing and subsequent storage.
We have a laboratory equipped with cutting-edge technology for the quality analysis of our NFC grape juice and red and white concentrates. More than a supplier of grape juices and concentrates, at Julián Soler we provide our customers with our know-how and R&D&I for the development of new products. If you need more information about the characteristics of our white or red grape juice, please contact us. We can send samples or quotations without obligation. At Julián Soler we carry out our unique Nothing But Grapes process to supply our customers with 100% authentic grape juice and concentrates 365 days a year and to more than 48 countries.
Main sources:
Healthline, NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information), Oregon State University, Sciencedirect, Byrdie
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