Resveratrol

What Is Resveratrol in Skincare?

Resveratrol is a polyphenol antioxidant that plants make to protect themselves from stress. It is found in red grape skins and berries, and cosmetic resveratrol is often extracted from Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum). In skincare it is used for the look of brighter, more even, more resilient skin and to help a formula defend against the look of environmental aging.

EWG Skin Deep rating for resveratrol

Resveratrol Quick Facts

How Resveratrol Works on the Skin

Antioxidant defense

Like other polyphenols, resveratrol neutralizes free radicals created by UV light and pollution, which helps skin defend against the dull, uneven, and lined look of environmental aging. A 2019 review by Ratz-Lyko and Arct in the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy describes resveratrol as an active ingredient for cosmetic use with a demonstrated ability to pass through the skin barrier.

What a human study measured

In a 12-week study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology in 2014, Farris and colleagues tested a nighttime serum with 1% resveratrol, 0.5% baicalin, and 1% vitamin E on mildly to moderately sun-aged skin. Ultrasound showed an average 18.9% increase in dermal thickness around the eyes, and clinical grading showed significant improvement over baseline in the look of fine lines and wrinkles, firmness, elasticity, laxity, uneven pigmentation, radiance, and roughness. The number of participants is not given in the abstract, the serum combined three actives, and the authors were affiliated with the brand, so read it as encouraging rather than definitive.

Why light and pH matter

The active form used in skincare is trans-resveratrol. In a 2009 study in the Australian Journal of Chemistry, Allan and colleagues showed that trans-resveratrol readily converts to the cis form under UV light. The change was slower between pH 5.0 and 8.0 and almost immediate above pH 8.0, and holding resveratrol inside a cyclodextrin complex greatly improved its light stability. That is why resveratrol products come in opaque packaging and are often used at night.

How to Use Resveratrol: Formulating Notes

• Rate: For resveratrol powder, the supplier range is 0.5-5.0%, so the top rate is 5% (5 g per 100 g). The human serum above used 1%. For a water-soluble 8% resveratrol solution, use up to 5%.
• Dissolve it properly: Pre-dissolve the powder in a glycol such as propanediol or in alcohol before adding it to the water phase, or use a water-soluble delivery form.
• pH: Keep the finished product between pH 5.0 and 8.0 for best stability.
• Temperature: Add at cool-down below 40°C (104°F).
• Pairing: Resveratrol pairs well with vitamin E, ferulic acid, niacinamide, and peptides. It is often part of an antioxidant team, as in the 1% resveratrol, 0.5% baicalin, 1% vitamin E serum studied above.
• Packaging and storage: Use opaque or airless packaging and store away from light and heat.

Resveratrol and Other Antioxidants

Many routines use vitamin C in the morning and resveratrol at night, so the skin gets antioxidant support around the clock. For the full picture, see our antioxidants glossary entry.

Who Resveratrol Suits

Resveratrol suits all skin types, especially dull, uneven, or mature skin and anyone who wants a gentle antioxidant for evening use. It is a good partner for people already using vitamin C in the morning.

Sensitive skin: Patch test on the inner arm for 24 hours. Start at the lowest rate of the range, 0.5% resveratrol powder, and work up. Stop if your skin becomes uncomfortable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does resveratrol do for skin?

Resveratrol helps skin defend against the look of environmental aging and look brighter and more even. In a 12-week study, a serum with 1% resveratrol plus baicalin and vitamin E increased measured dermal thickness around the eyes by 18.9%.

Is resveratrol better than vitamin C?

They do different jobs and work well together. Vitamin C is best studied for daytime use with vitamin E and ferulic acid, while resveratrol is light sensitive and fits best in an evening routine.

Should I use resveratrol at night or in the morning?

Night is the better choice. Trans-resveratrol converts to its cis form under UV light, so evening use protects the active.

Can I use resveratrol with retinol?

Yes. Resveratrol can be used in the same evening routine as retinol. If your skin is reactive, apply them on alternate nights.

What concentration of resveratrol works?

The human study above used 1% resveratrol. Supplier data list 0.5-5.0% for resveratrol powder, and 5% is the top of that range.

What is trans-resveratrol?

Trans-resveratrol is the form of resveratrol used in skincare. UV light can convert it into the cis form, which is why resveratrol needs opaque packaging and a pH between 5.0 and 8.0.

Does drinking red wine give the same skin benefits?

We found no study showing that drinking red wine changes how skin looks. The skin study above applied resveratrol directly to the skin at 1%.

Shop This Collection

This collection features the Expression Line Deep Wrinkle Serum and the Eye Bright Argireline Cream, both antioxidant-supported peptide formulas; check each product page for its full ingredient list. For recipes and a full formulating guide, read resveratrol for skin care.

Sources

• Farris P, Yatskayer M, Chen N, Krol Y, Oresajo C. Evaluation of efficacy and tolerance of a nighttime topical antioxidant containing resveratrol, baicalin, and vitamin E for mild to moderately photodamaged skin (title abridged). Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. 2014;13(12):1467-1472. JDD article (human study, 12 weeks)
• Ratz-Lyko A, Arct J. Resveratrol as an active ingredient for cosmetic and dermatological applications: a review. Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy. 2019;21(2):84-90. doi:10.1080/14764172.2018.1469767 (review)
• Allan KE, Lenehan CE, Ellis AV. Australian Journal of Chemistry. 2009;62(8):921-926. doi:10.1071/CH08506 (resveratrol UV isomerization and pH stability study)
• Spec-Chem, Ingredients Catalogue 2026 V1: Resveratrol 0.5-5.0%, Resveratrol (8%) water-soluble solution 1.0-5.0%, Resveratrol Dimethyl Ether 0.1-0.5% (supplier data)

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

About the Author
Written by Kari Thomas, cosmetic formulator and founder of Skin Perfection.