Kiwi

Categories:
Antioxidant,
Fruit Extracts

The kiwi fruit belongs to the genus Actinidia and is sold commercially for its sweet but tangy flavor. Kiwi nutrition provides the body with high quantities of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and amino acids. In skincare, these pro-health molecules help to promote a number of skin care benefits. Topical application of kiwi has been found to provide antioxidant, moisturizing, rejuvenating as well as skin-soothing properties, and can be found in cosmetic products, lotions and creams.

Constituents such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E protect the skin from degeneration. Vitamin E helps to regenerate the skin’s top surface layers, allowing skin to feel softer and smoother. Vitamin C plays a major role in maintain the youthful aspect of the skin, which when applied topically can help to keep skin firm and supple. Most importantly, both vitamins equip kiwi with a rich source of antioxidants. Antioxidant protection is vital for neutralizing harmful free radicals present within the body as well as the environment. In addition to Vitamins C and E, kiwi also possesses phytochemicals and flavonoids that further boost its antioxidant abilities, which are effective in both lipophilic and hydrophilic formulations. ¹

Another major skin care contribution of kiwi is kiwi seed oil. Kiwi seed oil is mainly comprised of alpha linolenic acid, a key component in the omega-3 series. In moisturizing products such as creams and serums, fatty acids such as omega-3 play an important role in improving skin barrier function. This in turn helps the skin to retain moisture and increase hydration. As a result, topical application of kiwi seed oil can be useful for providing soothing relief to dry, uncomfortable tight skin. ²

Lastly, polysaccharides found in kiwi can help promote skin proliferation and rejuvenation. They work by stimulating cell activity which in turn can increase the number of structural skin benefits for a youthful look. ³ For these reasons, kiwi benefits are implemented in regenerating cosmetics and moisturizing products, which are essential for preserving the skin’s structural integrity as well as enhancing overall skin quality.

1. Fiorentino, A et al. Identification and assessment of antioxidant capacity of phytochemicals from kiwi fruits. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry 57.10, 4148-4155 (2009)
2. Quirin, K. W. Specialty Fatty Oils for Healthy Skin. Cosmetic Science Technology 16-2 (2009)
3. Deters, A.M. et al. Kiwi fruit (Actinidia chinensis L.) polysaccharides exert stimulating effects on cell proliferation via enhanced growth factor receptors, energy production, and collagen synthesis of human keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and skin equivalents. Journal of cellular physiology 202.3, 717-722 (2005)