Supposedly more powerful than even our coveted vitamin C, quercetin is an up-and-coming skincare ingredient we had to look into.
We’re always on the look out for the latest in diet tips and food research in order to look good and feel better – like our previous research into whether spicy food is bad for skin.
So, we looked into exactly what quercetin is, what it does for our skin, and where we can find it – and spoiler alert, some skincare products have it!
What is quercetin
Quercetin is a plant pigment or flavonoid found in many plants, and foods including grapes, berries, green tea, black tea, apples, citrus fruits, and tomatoes.
It is one of the most common and well-researched flavonoids, so it’s not something particularly new to the health industry.
However, this has only recently come onto the radar in the beauty arena.
There have been many research studies that show that diets high in flavonoids or quercetin can help to prevent cancers. It has also been shown that taking quercetin could be an effective way to reduce harmful cholesterol and blood pressure.
Other than that, it may also improve allergy symptoms, blood vessel cell health, and arterial blood flow in people with heart disease.
With such a long list of health benefits, we were curious as to the benefits on skin taking quercetin would bring.
Quercetin benefits on skin
Known for its powerful antioxidant effects, quercetin is said to be even better than even vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta carotene.
Therefore, it helps to fight free radicals which are unstable molecules in the body that quicken ageing and increase the risk of disease.
In a 2016 study, quercetin cream was proven to protect the skin against UV radiation. They also found that it reduced redness, itching, and inflammation of damaged skin.
Not only that, but it may also help to restore the skin barrier’s function, increase hydration, and reduce water loss.
Another study from 2010 also discovered that with the application of topical quercetin, it was able to help rejuvenate middle-aged or dying cells and stimulate the growth of new cells.
Other than that, it can also diminish fine lines and wrinkles and improve the skin’s texture and elasticity.
However, humans cannot naturally make quercetin in our body but can take it as a supplement or apply it topically through a cream or other skincare products.
Where to find quercetin
Quercetin in skincare
Fenty Beauty Body Sauce Body Luminizing Tint
Suitable for everyday use, this is a subtle, skin-enhancing body tint that gives your skin a sun-kissed, healthy-looking radiance.
It contains quercetin, as well as vitamin E and babassu oil, which is also packed with antioxidants and healthy fats.
It retails for RM216.
Drunk Elephant F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial Hydrating Mask
Packed with electrolytes and other skin-loving goodies including quercetin, this cooling-hydrating overnight mask works to plump and restore the skin’s acid mantle.
There are fun little tiny beads loaded with vitamin F (hence the name F-Balm!), which burst to deliver extra hydration.
It retails for RM230.
Dr. Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Marine Hydration Booster
If you’re a fan of Dr. Dennis Gross, you’ll be glad to know that they have a few products with quercetin, including this hydrating serum.
Powered by hyaluronic acid, watermelon extract, centella asiatica, and marine algae, it infuses your skin with weightless hydration to smooth the appearance of fine lines and rough texture to give you luxurious dewy soft skin.
It retails for RM294.
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting & Refining Serum
A silicone-free, pore-treating serum that lets you experience smaller-looking pores without the oily shine.
It features quercetin, farnesol, adipic acid, agarikon mushroom, pricky pear, and an Alpha Beta complex to dissolve waxy buildup to give your complexion a flawless, filtered effect.
It retails for RM280.
Dr. Dennis Gross All-Physical Lightweight Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 PA++++
An oil-free SPF protection product that provides ultra-sheer, daily sun and ageing protection with weightless hydration.
Quercetin is present, along with zinc oxide, bearberry, sea buckthorn, lingonberry, and ferulic acid.
It retails for RM195.
Quercetin supplements
Natural Factors Quercetin
Enclosed in vegetarian capsules made of carbohydrate gum and purified water, this contains no artificial colours, preservatives, or sweeteners.
It has been manufactured in accordance to Good Manufacturing Practices of the FDA and Health Canada.
It retails for RM88.
Solaray Mega Quercetin
A powerful combination of three bioflavonoids quercetin, rutin, and hesperidin. It also contains bromelain which is a plant enzyme known to help breakdown protein.
You’ll be glad to know that it also contains Vitamin C as well, all in a vegetarian cellulose capsule.
It retails for RM138.
Featured image credit: Timo Volz and The Zoe Report
