What is Plant Science in Skincare?
Plant science is the study of how natural compounds found in plants—like antioxidants, fatty acids, and anti-inflammatory agents—interact with the skin. In skincare, this field helps us understand how botanical ingredients can actually improve skin health, not just feel good or smell nice.
This is science-backed skincare rooted in clinical research, dermatology, and molecular biology.
Why Plant Based Ingredients Work
Plants are natural chemists. They produce powerful compounds to protect themselves from environmental stress—things like UV rays, bacteria, and oxidation. When applied to human skin, many of these same compounds help:
- Calm inflammation
- Defend against aging
- Repair the skin barrier
- Brighten and even out skin tone
What the Research Says:
Antioxidants Protect Against Aging
Oxidative stress—caused by sun, pollution, and stress—is one of the biggest culprits behind fine lines and dullness. Plant compounds like polyphenols and flavonoids help neutralize this damage.
- A 2017 review in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences found that certain plant oils help protect the skin barrier, reduce inflammation, and prevent aging by limiting free radical damage [1].
Plant Oils Repair the Skin Barrier
Our skin barrier is like a protective shield. When it’s weak, we see dryness, irritation, and sensitivity. Many plant oils—like sunflower, oat, and jojoba—are rich in linoleic acid and vitamin E, which restore this barrier and lock in moisture.
- According to a study in Dermatologic Therapy shows that topical application of plant-based oils helps improve hydration, reduce inflammation, and support healing, especially in dry or reactive skin [2].
Plants Can Brighten and Boost Collagen
Certain ingredients like vitamin C-rich fruits, bakuchiol, and licorice have been shown to:
- Fade dark spots
- Boost collagen
- Improve texture and elasticity
*For example, bakuchiol—a plant-based compound often compared to retinol—was found in a 2018 British Journal of Dermatology study to reduce fine lines and pigmentation, just like retinol, but without irritation [4].
*And Kakadu plum, a fruit from northern Australia with the highest natural vitamin C content, has shown strong results in brightening and protecting skin from environmental stress [5].
Anti-Inflammatory Plants Calm the Skin
Some plant extracts, including licorice root, calendula, and chamomile, contain compounds that quiet the skin’s inflammatory response. That means less redness, irritation, and flare-ups.
- A 2021 study in Frontiers in Pharmacology confirms that certain botanicals actively reduce inflammatory markers in the skin—even helping with conditions like eczema or acne [3].
- Additional research in Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutritionsupports the same conclusion: plant extracts can inhibit key inflammatory pathways and reduce oxidative skin stress [7].
Plant Science Is Real Science
These ingredients have been studied, tested, and shown to work. They support everything from calming irritation to rebuilding collagen and protecting your skin against aging.
And with more clinical studies being published every year, plant science continues to shape the future of skincare.
Sources:
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Lin, T.K., Zhong, L., & Santiago, J.L. (2017). “Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 19(1), 70. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19010070
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Elias, P. M., & Wakefield, J. S. (2012). “Therapeutic Implications of a Barrier-Based Pathogenesis of Atopic Dermatitis.” Dermatologic Therapy, 25(2), 117–129. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1529-8019.2012.01470.x
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Salehi, B. et al. (2021). “Medicinal Plants in Inflammatory Skin Disorders: A Review.” Frontiers in Pharmacology, 11, 601498. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2020.601498
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Dhaliwal, S., et al. (2018). “Bakuchiol: A Retinol Alternative for Anti-Aging.” British Journal of Dermatology, 179(2), 289–296. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjd.16619
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Konczak, I., et al. (2014). “Bioactivity and Health Benefits of Kakadu Plum.” Food Chemistry, 148, 125–130. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2013.10.104
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D’Orazio, N. et al. (2012). “Skin photoprotection provided by natural polyphenols.” Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences, 11, 101–111. https://doi.org/10.1039/C1PP05144J
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Klein, G.A. et al. (2011). “Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory plant extracts in dermatology.” Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition, 49(3), 123–136. https://doi.org/10.3164/jcbn.11-35
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Yokota, T., et al. (1998). “The inhibitory effect of glabridin from licorice extracts on melanogenesis and inflammation.” Phytotherapy Research, 12(4), 114–118. https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1099-1573(199806)12:4<114::AID-PTR279>3.0.CO;2-S