Grape vines can live for 100 years in some of the harshest conditions, and it’s all thanks to a little antioxidant called resveratrol. Dubbed the “longevity molecule,” once harnessed into skincare, it can rejuvenate and slow ageing in the skin. Editor Trudi Brewer shares another skin-loving ingredient you need to know about.
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Resveratrol is a phytoalexin, meaning it is a protective compound produced in plants under stress from drought, fungal attack, and ultraviolet irradiation. Resveratrol is abundant in the skin of red grapes, peanuts, pistachios, blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, and cacao beans (dark chocolate), as well as in Japanese knotweed root. Helping protect these plants from external stress, it can do the same for our skin. Also known as a flavonoid, a type of polyphenol with strong antioxidant properties, experts often refer to resveratrol as “the longevity molecule” due to its remarkable anti-ageing benefits.
Popularised by the Harvard professor David Sinclair, named on Time’s list of the most influential people of the year in 2014 for his research on longevity, Sinclair identified the key role of resveratrol as a regulator of hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism in laboratory experiments.
Like other antioxidants, it helps the body efficiently detoxify molecules that oxidise and cause damage. This antioxidant activity helps fight the free radicals that contribute to cellular ageing throughout the body. When taken as a supplement, resveratrol helps reduce oxidative stress, lower blood pressure, prolong the lifespan of skin cells, and maximise collagen production. Applied to the skin, particularly at night, resveratrol’s anti-ageing benefits have been shown to prevent pigmentation, improve acne and increase collagen production. While its benefits are often mistakenly compared to retinol (for its ability to smooth out fine lines), it’s much less reactive and more hydrating than the vitamin A derivative.
Here we have rounded up some of the top firming, smoothing, anti-ageing skin care products stacked with resveratrol below.
Caudalie Resveratrol Lift Instant Firming Retinol Alternative Serum 30ml, $84
If you don’t know this luxe-y French skincare brand, Caudalíe, it offers natural, antioxidant-rich products derived from grapevines and grapes. One of the first to patent the use of resveratrol as a natural active ingredient for its firming and anti-ageing benefits, this serum is a great example. More effective than retinol (without irritation), this serum works to lift and visibly firm the skin, using an innovative vegan collagen, resveratrol from grapes, and the moisture-magnet hyaluronic acid. While it is pricey, it smells and feels divine, and you can expect bouncier, smoother, brighter-looking skin within weeks. Use morning and night on the face, neck and décolleté.
This Greek beauty brand draws on the best natural ingredients from across the Mediterranean to correct and perfect complexions worldwide. They claim this oil is like ‘water for dry, tired skin’. Made from antioxidant-rich sun-ripened Santorini grapes, it is a silky, oil-like serum that sinks in within seconds to hydrate deeply. Acting like a "plumping" serum or a final skin sealant, locking moisture deep into the skin. The resveratrol from the grapeseed oil, along with sunflower and olive oils, helps brighten and smooth, refining the skin’s texture over time. Ideal for nighttime use or mix a few drops with moisturiser for the day, this dry oil will incorporate into any skincare routine, even for the most fickle skin types.
Consistently offering science-backed ingredients in their affordable skin care, in ultra-high concentrations, this serum is stacked with antioxidants, including resveratrol and ferulic acid. The resveratrol in this formulation is derived from Japanese knotweed, while the ferulic acid is from oats and the seeds of apples. Together, these potent ingredients help neutralise the effects of environmental free radical damage, while keeping the skin plump, bright and smooth. Apply after cleansing both morning and night.
Unfamiliar with Allies of Skin? This US-founded brand strives to bring effective, science-backed skincare to address all ageing concerns. In that, they are at the forefront of innovative ingredients. This serum, alongside beta-glucan, an ingredient commonly used in Korean skincare, is a synthetic peptide and ceramides to combat dryness and dullness and help the skin retain moisture. Then, there is the addition of that potent antioxidant resveratrol. The first thing you will notice about this serum is that it leaves skin feeling plump and bouncy with a gorgeous-looking sheen. Over time, this serum will also boost skin clarity. Apply two pumps on cleansed, dry skin, morning and night.
There are plenty of overnight lip masks, but this rose-scented (and tasting) soothing and smoothing mask is stacked with resveratrol. Designed to lock in moisture and nourish lips, the formula is made with strawberry extract, rich in vitamin C, folic acid, hyaluronic acid, and skin-loving vitamin E. Make this the last step in your skincare routine before bed, and slather it on your lips before you sleep.
One more reason to love wine.