Resveratrol
No meaningful concern for most people; irritation is possible but rare.
Also written as: Trans-Resveratrol
What it is
Resveratrol is a stilbene polyphenol that grapes, berries and Japanese knotweed produce in response to stress; cosmetic supplies usually come from knotweed. In the laboratory it scavenges free radicals, calms inflammatory signalling and inhibits tyrosinase. Translating that into visible results on skin is harder, because resveratrol is poorly soluble and degrades in light, so formulation quality matters a great deal.
What it does well
Improves the look of photodamaged skin as part of a night-time antioxidant blend
A clinical study of a nightly product combining resveratrol, baicalin and vitamin E reported improvement in fine lines, firmness and tone. Because it was a blend, resveratrol's individual contribution is unclear.
Limited evidence
Worth knowing
Degrades quickly in light and air
Trans-resveratrol converts to a less active form on light exposure, so opaque, airtight packaging is important. This affects effectiveness rather than safety.
Matters most toAnyone buying resveratrol products in clear or jar packaging.
Where the EU stands
No specific restriction
Not listed in any restriction or prohibition annex of the EU Cosmetics Regulation; permitted at the formulator's discretion under the general safety requirement.
Sources (1)
Every link goes to the original: a journal, a PubMed record or an EU document.
- [1]Evaluation of efficacy and tolerance of a nighttime topical antioxidant containing resveratrol, baicalin, and vitamin E for treatment of mild to moderately photodamaged skin
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology · 2014
A 12-week clinical study of a resveratrol, baicalin and vitamin E blend showed significant improvement in fine lines, firmness, radiance and hyperpigmentation with good tolerance.