Acai berries have gained a lot of hype and popularity as a superfood. So naturally, it makes sense that cosmetic chemists and skincare brands want to harness these benefits. There are some commonly marketed acai berry skin benefits. But how does this little purple berry live up to its marketing hype in skincare? Let’s delve into the science behind acai berries in skincare.
Origins of the Acai Berry
Natural materials are common ingredients in skincare. They can offer many benefits, such as hydration, antioxidant protection, and even brightening. Acai berries are one of the many natural materials that have gained popularity due to their potential benefits
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The acai palm is a tree native to the Amazon region of North and South America. The acai berry is a small round fruit produced by the tree. It has been a staple food for indigenous communities for centuries. The seed makes up 80-95% of the fruit, and the pulp makes up the rest. Acai berries can be purple or white; however, the purple acai berry is the one you will see the most. In skincare, acai extract can be an extract from the berries, oil from the seed, or a powder from the pulp.
So What Does The Science Say About Acai Berry Skin Benefits
Acai berries have gained significant attention in skincare due to their high antioxidant content. Basic research suggests the potential benefits of acai berries in skincare. However, more human studies are needed to reach definitive conclusions. I could not find any peer-reviewed clinical studies evaluating acai berries’ benefits in skincare.
Most marketing claims about acai berries come from their antioxidant properties. Polyphenols, anthocyanin, and flavonoids are the two significant antioxidants in acai berries. Antioxidants are essential in skin care because they can help combat free radicals.
Free radicals are unstable molecules produced by UV rays and the environment. They can damage skin cells and contribute to signs of premature aging, such as less elastic skin and fine lines and wrinkles.
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In addition to the benefits commonly associated with antioxidants, one study on mice showed that acai berry extracts improved skin elasticity. The study’s results suggest that acai extract may help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, but confirming this effect in humans and the amount of acai extract needed to achieve this effect requires more research.
While acai berries boast promising intrinsic properties, particularly their antioxidant content, more clinical research with human participants is essential to confirm their effectiveness in topical skincare products. The current research focuses on their biochemical potential rather than established clinical outcomes in humans. So, if you are looking for an antioxidant to supplement your sunscreen and protect your skin from free radicals, in that case, there are some other more science-backed options, like vitamin C!
Conclusion
Acai berries hold promise as a skincare ingredient because they contain a high concentration of antioxidants. However, more human studies are needed to solidify the claims. If you’re considering incorporating acai into your routine, look for reputable skincare brands with clinical data to support their product claims.
References
- Boeira, L. S., Cád, S. V., Bezerra, J. A., Benavente, C. T., Neta, M. T. S. L., Sandes, R. D. D., & Narain, N. (2023). Development of alcohol vinegars macerated with ACAI (Euterpe precatoria Mart.) berries and their quality evaluations with emphasis on color, antioxidant capacity, and volatiles profile. Journal of Food Science, 88, 666–680. https://doi.org/10.1111/1750-3841.16429
- Matta FV, Xiong J, Lila MA, Ward NI, Felipe-Sotelo M, Esposito D. Chemical Composition and Bioactive Properties of Commercial and Non-Commercial Purple and White Açaí Berries. Foods. 2020; 9(10):1481. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9101481
- Piazza S, Fumagalli M, Khalilpour S, Martinelli G, Magnavacca A, Dell’Agli M, Sangiovanni E. A Review of the Potential Benefits of Plants Producing Berries in Skin Disorders. Antioxidants. 2020; 9(6):542. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9060542
- Sun M, Deng Y, Cao X, et al. Effects of Natural Polyphenols on Skin and Hair Health: A Review. Molecules. 2022;27(22):7832. http://doi:10.3390/molecules27227832