What is resveratrol? Derms explain the benefits of the anti-aging skin care ingredient

With such a long, hard-to-pronounce name, you might think that resveratrol was made in a lab. Yet, according to Mark, resveratrol is a plant-based polyphenol antioxidant that’s found in blueberries, cranberries, grapes (as well as wine) and even green tea. Much like other antioxidants, resveratrol provides free-radical protection to prevent or slow down signs of aging, like fine lines, dark spots and wrinkles.

Because resveratrol is naturally a part of the foods mentioned above, you can get some of the benefits of the ingredient just by consuming berries, grapes and tea. However, Bowles says that the benefits “won’t be as direct or pronounced as those achieved through topical application of resveratrol in skin care products.”

TikTok has been touting resveratrol as the “key to youthfulness,” but what exactly does this antioxidant do for skin? Evidently, a lot. “Resveratrol offers several potential benefits for the skin, primarily due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties,” explains Bowles. “For one, resveratrol helps neutralize free radicals, unstable molecules that can cause oxidative stress and damage skin cells. This protection can prevent premature aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles.”

Bowles adds that resveratrol’s inherent anti-inflammatory properties can also minimize redness, swelling and irritation. “This can be particularly beneficial for acne, rosacea and eczema,” she says. “Additionally, by protecting the skin from oxidative damage and supporting the skin’s natural repair processes, resveratrol can help maintain skin elasticity, improve texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.”

With its ability to address a variety of skin concerns, you’d probably expect resveratrol to be at least a little irritating. Despite its multi-action nature, Bowles mentions that it’s one of the gentlest ingredients around and recommends it to those with sensitive skin and inflammatory skin conditions, like rosacea or eczema. “For most people, resveratrol can be used daily,” she says. “It’s gentle enough to be incorporated into both morning and evening routines, and regular use helps maximize its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.”

Not only do retinol and resveratrol sound similar, Bowles says that they’re both extremely effective anti-aging ingredients. That said, they work in different ways and offer distinct benefits.

“Retinol is a form of vitamin A that promotes cell turnover and stimulates collagen production. It helps to exfoliate the skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin texture and tone,” she explains. Where retinol minimizes and sometimes reverses signs of aging, resveratrol functions as a preventative ingredient to protect the skin from free-radical damage and inflammation that can speed up the aging process, keeping your complexion bright, bouncy and even.

The side effects of retinol and resveratrol also differ greatly. “Resveratrol is typically well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive skin. Its primary function as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory means it usually doesn’t cause irritation or dryness,” explains Dr. Bowles. “Retinol, on the other hand, can cause redness, dryness, peeling and increased sensitivity to sunlight, so it’s important to introduce retinol to the skin slowly.”