Natural Product Applications in Skin Health
Summary
Natural products derived from plants and other organisms offer a diverse arsenal of bioactive compounds that support skin health through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and regenerative mechanisms. Their phenolic, flavonoid and terpenoid constituents can neutralise reactive oxygen species, inhibit the enzymes responsible for collagen and elastin degradation, modulate inflammation and promote wound repair. Advances in analytical chemistry and molecular biology have enabled detailed characterisation of these phytochemicals and elucidation of their modes of action. As a result, natural extracts are now being formulated into topical therapies and cosmeceuticals that address photoageing, hyperpigmentation, acne and barrier dysfunction, with an emphasis on safety, sustainability and global accessibility.
Research from Nature Portfolio
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Natural Product Applications in Skin Health publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in natural product applications in skin health across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Reactive oxygen species (ROS): Highly reactive molecules derived from oxygen, implicated in oxidative stress and skin ageing.
Polyphenols: A class of plant secondary metabolites, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, known for antioxidant activity.
Collagenase: An enzyme that degrades collagen in the extracellular matrix, contributing to wrinkle formation.
Elastase: An enzyme that breaks down elastin fibres, affecting skin elasticity and resilience.
Hyaluronidase: An enzyme that degrades hyaluronic acid, a key component in skin hydration and volume maintenance.
References
- Identification of Antioxidant Metabolites from Five Plants (Calophyllum inophyllum, Gardenia taitensis, Curcuma longa, Cordia subcordata, Ficus prolixa) of the Polynesian Pharmacopoeia and Cosmetopoeia for Skin Care. Antioxidants (2023).
- Profiling of Petroselinum sativum (mill.) fuss phytoconstituents and assessment of their biocompatibility, antioxidant, anti-aging, wound healing, and antibacterial activities. Frontiers in Nutrition (2024).
- Influence of Benincasa hispida Peel Extracts on Antioxidant and Anti-Aging Activities, including Molecular Docking Simulation. Foods (2023).
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