Dragon Fruit

Hylocereus undatus

AntioxidantBrighteningVitamin C

Dragon fruit is a vibrant antioxidant fruit rich in vitamin C and minerals that brighten and revive. Refreshing, it suits dull, tired, and uneven skin.

Ingredient type

Botanical fruit extract

Best for

Dull or environmentally stressed skin

Key actions

Brightens, defends, refreshes

Notable for

Fruit of a cactus that blooms by moonlight

A natural history

Dragon fruit, or pitaya, is the vivid pink fruit of a climbing cactus native to the Americas, as beautiful as it is exotic. Most striking of all is its flower. The cactus blooms only at night, opening large, fragrant white blossoms that last for a single evening and then close forever, which has earned it the lovely names moonflower and Queen of the Night.

Cut the fruit open and its jewel bright color tells the story of its chemistry. That vivid hue comes from antioxidant pigments called betalains, and the fruit is a generous source of vitamin C, the same nutrients long loved for keeping skin looking bright and fresh. From a single night's flower comes a fruit rich in the colors of antioxidant defense.

What it does for your skin

Dragon fruit is prized for its antioxidant pigments and vitamin C. Laboratory analysis found the fruit's antioxidant strength comes chiefly from its betalain pigments and phenolic compounds.^[1] A broad review confirms pitaya is rich in antioxidant flavonoids, phenolic acids, and the betalains that color it, alongside vitamin C.^[2] In a formula dragon fruit works as an antioxidant, vitamin C rich botanical that helps dull skin look brighter and more defended. That brightening, defending action is documented in laboratory studies of its betalains and vitamin C.

References

[1] Suh DH, et al. Metabolite profiling of red and white pitayas for comparing betalain biosynthesis and antioxidant activity. J Agric Food Chem. 2014;62(34):8764-8771. doi:10.1021/jf5020704

[2] Coelho VS, et al. The profile of phenolic compounds identified in pitaya fruits, health effects, and food applications: an integrative review. Plants (Basel). 2024;13(21):3020. doi:10.3390/plants13213020

Found in these formulas

10% Vitamin C Kakadu Plum + Passion Fruit Brightening Serum, 1oz→15% Vitamin C + .5% Ferulic Acid + Resveratrol Antioxidant Serum, 1oz→

Questions, answered

It is an antioxidant- and vitamin-C-rich fruit, colored by betalain pigments, used to help dull skin look brighter and more defended.

Its jewel-bright color comes from antioxidant pigments called betalains, the same compounds behind much of its appeal in skin care.