Resveratrol

A natural history

Resveratrol is a polyphenol that grapevines and a handful of other plants produce as a defense, a chemical shield they pump out when attacked by mold or battered by ultraviolet light. In grapes it concentrates in the skins, which is how it ends up in red wine, and it is also drawn in quantity from Japanese knotweed.

The compound owes its fame to a riddle. Researchers trying to explain the so called French paradox, the puzzle of relatively low heart disease in parts of France despite a rich diet, pointed to the antioxidants in red wine, and resveratrol became the star of that story. Skincare took interest for the same reason, hoping to borrow a plant's own stress defense for the skin.

What it does for your skin

Resveratrol is a well studied antioxidant whose topical research is still maturing. In a twelve week study, a night serum pairing resveratrol with vitamin E and baicalin was reported to support improvements in the look of fine lines, firmness, and radiance.^[1] In a separate study, resveratrol combined with retinol and niacinamide supported a smoother, brighter looking complexion.^[2] Because it was tested inside blends, its individual share is hard to isolate, so in a formula it is best seen as an antioxidant that helps defend the look of stressed skin.

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