Explainer / What makes resveratrol a skincare ‘superhero’? Red wine and dark chocolate contain the ingredient that can also be used topically in brands from Brad Pitt’s Le Domaine to Caudalie for youthful results

Apr 21 , 2023

Caudalie is a French skincare brand. Photo: Handout

For years, healthcare experts have hailed the benefits of drinking red wine and eating dark chocolate – in small portions – thanks to their high levels of antioxidants that are good for the heart

Resveratrol is a polyphenol found in the skin and seeds of grapes that’s said to prevent UV damage, boost cell regeneration and promote collagen production – with little known side effects

For decades now, we’ve been told that having a glass of red wine regularly – in moderation – could have health benefits. The high levels of antioxidants in it may help with coronary artery disease prevention and heart health in general, but what exactly makes red wine such a superhero?

There’s a particular type of antioxidant in red wine that has the power to prevent damage to blood vessels, reduce cholesterol and prevent clots: resveratrol, a polyphenol that’s not only great for your heart but also your skin. “[Resveratrol] is a polyphenol found in both the skin and seeds of grapes, but it’s also found in over 70 different plant species,” Krupa Koestline, a clean cosmetic chemist and founder of KKT Consultants, explained in an interview with InStyle.

Beauty Pie includes resveratrol in its Superactive Capsules. Photo: Handout

Dark chocolate, cranberries, raspberries and nuts can also provide this antioxidant. “It’s an ingredient that’s easily upcycled from winemaking, thus can be sourced sustainability,” Koestline told the publication.

But drinking wine is not the only way of getting your resveratrol fix. There are plenty of skincare products formulated with this powerful antioxidant, from brands such as Le Domaine Skincare, founded by Hollywood star Brad Pitt, to Caudalie, the French label known for its grape-infused products.

What are the benefits of resveratrol?

Vine Vera’s Resveratrol Chianti Revival Serum. Photo: Handout

Topical use of resveratrol can provide multiple benefits. For starters, studies show that it can protect the skin from environmental and UV damage as it can enhance your skin’s natural protection barrier. On top of that, its most coveted benefits might be how it neutralises free radicals, boosts cell regeneration and improves collagen production levels, which leads to your skin being able to repair itself. The result? Less visible fine lines and wrinkles, more elasticity and a more even skin tone.

Caudalie products featuring resveratrol. Photo: Handout

As if that wasn’t enough, resveratrol is an excellent alternative for those dealing with reactive skin and blemishes. Double board-certified dermatologist Dr. Viseslav Tonkovic-Capin MD told Dermstore that “resveratrol has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, which calm down the skin, reduce skin ageing, and may keep [the skin] free of infections”, which can prevent acne-causing bacteria from growing in the first place.