Resveratrol

INCI: Resveratrol | Function: Antioxidant, Anti-aging | Type: Polyphenol (stilbenoid)

What Is Resveratrol?

Resveratrol is a polyphenolic stilbenoid found in red grapes, berries, and Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum). It is a potent antioxidant that also activates sirtuins (longevity proteins), providing anti-aging benefits at the cellular level. Also has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

Key Skin Benefits

+ Activates sirtuin longevity pathways in skin cells
+ Potent antioxidant (more than Vitamin E on molar basis)
+ Anti-inflammatory — calms skin and reduces redness
+ Protects against UV-induced oxidative damage
+ Antimicrobial activity against C. acnes

Pros

+ Multi-pathway anti-aging (antioxidant + sirtuin activation)
+ Natural-derived from grapes/knotweed
+ Extensive research base (thousands of publications)
+ Can be stabilized with encapsulation
+ Works well with other antioxidants

Cons

− Highly unstable — oxidizes and turns brown quickly
− Poor water solubility — needs special delivery systems
− Photosensitive — degrades with light exposure
− Bioavailability concerns for topical delivery
− Can cause skin staining at high concentrations

Specifications

Property	Value
Usage Areas	Face, Eye, Body
Product Type	Leave-On
Source	Plant (grape, Japanese knotweed)
Natural Level	Natural

Safety Ratings

Metric	Rating
Skin Sensitivity	0/5 (none)
Comedogenic Rating	0/5
EWG Score	1/10

Regional Regulatory Limits

Region	Leave-on %	Rinse-off %	Status
EU (CosIng)	No limit	No limit	Allowed
US (CIR/FDA)	No limit	No limit	Allowed
Japan (MHLW)	No limit	No limit	Allowed
ASEAN	No limit	No limit	Allowed
China (NMPA)	No limit	No limit	Allowed

Typical Usage % by Product Type

Product Type	Typical %
Anti-aging serum	0.1 - 1%
Antioxidant cream	0.05 - 0.5%
Eye treatment	0.05 - 0.2%

References

Baxter RA (2008) — Resveratrol anti-aging review. PMID: 18505497
Ratz-Lyko A & Arct J (2019) — Resveratrol in cosmetics. PMID: 29665047
EWG Skin Deep — Score 1/10

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