The most powerful antioxidant that can grant us clear, glowing skin may have been easily accessible to us this whole time.
Supposedly more powerful than even our favourite brightening vitamin C, this mysterious supplement is called quercetin and we took our time to look into it.
We’re here today to tell you exactly what it is, what it does for our skin, and where we can find it – and spoiler alert, it might be in your skincare products already!
What is quercetin
Quercetin is a plant pigment or flavonoid. It is found in many plants, and foods including grapes, berries, green tea, black tea, apples, citrus fruits, and tomatoes.
One of the most common and well-researched flavonoids, it is not something particularly new to the health industry.
Many research studies have shown that diets high in flavonoids or quercetin can help to prevent cancers. Taking quercetin could also be an effective way to reduce harmful cholesterol and blood pressure.
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 to find out what quercetin could do for our skin.
Quercetin’s benefits for the skin
Quercetin is even better than even vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta carotene in regards to its antioxidant effects.
Antioxidants help 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 found to protect the skin against UV radiation. They also showed that it reduced redness, itching, and inflammation of damaged skin.
Other than that, it may also help to restore the skin barrier’s function, increase hydration, and reduce water loss.
Another study from 2010 also proved that by applying topical quercetin, it was able to help rejuvenate middle-aged or dying cells and stimulate the growth of new cells. It was also found to diminish fine lines and wrinkles and improve the skin’s texture and elasticity.
However, we humans cannot naturally make quercetin in our body. Instead, we 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
This is a subtle, skin-enhancing body tint that gives your skin a sun-kissed, healthy-looking radiance and is suitable for everyday use.
It does contain quercetin as well as vitamin E and babassu oil. These are also packed with antioxidants and healthy fats.
It retails for S$72.
Drunk Elephant F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial Hydrating Mask
This cooling and hydrating overnight mask is packed with electrolytes and other skin-loving goodies including quercetin. It works to restore and plump the skin’s acid mantle.
What’s cool is that there are fun little tiny beads loaded with vitamin F (hence the name F-Balm!) which burst to deliver extra hydration.
It retails for S$75.
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, such as this hydrating serum.
Powered by hyaluronic acid, watermelon extract, centella asiatica, and marine algae, it infuses your skin with weightless hydration. This is to smooth the appearance of fine lines and rough texture to give you luxurious dewy soft skin.
It retails for S$102.
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting & Refining Serum
This is a silicone-free, pore-treating serum that reduces the appearance of large pores and diminishes shine.
To dissolve the waxy buildup and give a flawless, filtered effect, it features quercetin, farnesol, adipic acid, agarikon mushroom, prickly pear, and an Alpha Beta complex.
It retails for S$99.
Dr. Dennis Gross All-Physical Lightweight Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 PA++++
An oil-free sunscreen that provides ultra-sheer, daily sun and ageing protection, the All-Physical Lightweight Wrinkle Defense also gives you weightless hydration.
Quercetin is again in the ingredients list, alongside star ingredients such as zinc oxide, bearberry, sea buckthorn, lingonberry, and ferulic acid.
It retails for S$64.
Quercetin supplements
Now Foods Quercetin with Bromelain
This quercetin supplement comes with the addition of bromelain which has a long history of use by herbalists and is known to help support response to environmental challenges.
It comes in a vegetarian cellulose capsule and it is recommended for people with sensitive stomachs to take these capsules with food.
It retails for S$38.28.
Holland & Barrett Quercetin Plus Vitamin C
Also containing our coveted vitamin C, these vegetarian capsules help to contribute to collagen formation, energy-yielding metabolism, functioning of the nervous system, and much more.
The recommended dose is two caplets daily, preferably with a meal, and it is best not to exceed the stated dose.
It retails for S$41.90.
Featured image credit: Timo Volz and The Zoe Report
