Why use strawberries in cosmetic formulations?
As soon as spring arrives, the strawberry triumphantly returns to our market stalls, much to the delight of even the most demanding palates. And while people mainly enjoy strawberries for their juicy flesh and sweet taste, they also offer a whole host of other health benefits… Even for your skin!
Thanks to their high vitamin Cand vitamin E content and flavonoids (a polyphenol), this little red fruit has quite a few tricks up its sleeve…
Discover the benefits of strawberries for your skin!
The history of the strawberry
The strawberry has thrived in the wilds of America, Asia and the sub-mountainous regions of Western Europe for thousands of years. To date, no fewer than 35 different species of strawberry have been discovered in these regions. These small berries loaded with tiny seeds was probably spread by birds carrying them over long distances.
Consumed by humans since the Neolithic period, the Romans later grew strawberry plants in their gardens. As well as enjoying their fruity flavour, they also picked wild strawberries for their therapeutic properties. They even used them to make beauty masks.
However, it wasn’t until the 15th century that strawberries were grown commercially in Europe.
Cosmetic benefits of strawberries for the skin
High in fibre, potassium and vitamin C, the health benefits of strawberries are already well-established… But these aren’t the only qualities they have to offer. This bright, red fruit also offers surprising benefits for the skin.
Particularly rich in vitamin C, strawberries help to combat skin ageing and sun damage. But that’s not all: their vitamin C content also helps to stimulate the production of collagen (which is important for skin elasticity) and melanin (helps reduce the appearance of dark spots on the skin).
Strawberries can also have benefits for acne-prone skin. Thanks to their salicylic acid content (a substance that helps fight acne), strawberries are the perfect if you want to put an end to spots.
For all these reasons, strawberries are widely used in the cosmetics industry to make facial care and skin beauty products.
How strawberries are used in cosmetic formulations?
Strawberry seeds
Strawberry seeds contain powerful antioxidants, such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E and ellagic acid. These nutrients particularly help to protect the skin against the damage caused by free radicals. They also increase the skin’s elasticity and firmness and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Strawberry pulp
Strawberry pulp contains high levels of vitamin C, a key active ingredient well-known for its anti-fatigue effects and skin benefits. As well as stimulating the skin’s natural defences, vitamin C also helps to promote a luminous complexion and glowing skin.
Fresh’Ka®, an active ingredient extracted from strawberry leaves
Every day, our skin is subjected to external attacks, stress and urban pollution. As a result, its texture gradually becomes uneven and our pores become increasingly dilated. Derived from strawberry leaf extract, our Fresh’Ka® active ingredient protects the skin from the harmful effects of free radicals, helping to preserve a healthy, even complexion. Rich in polyphenols (including flavonoids), it slows down skin ageing and eradicates those feelings of discomfort.
Lastly, by improving the tone of the skin’s micro-vessels, the skin becomes more oxygenated, noticeably smoother and blemish-free.
To find out more about this active ingredient, visit the Fresh’Ka product page.
