Resveratrol is now being increasingly used in cosmetology and dermatology. This polyphenolic phytoalexin has many scientifically proven health-promoting properties associated with a positive effect on the cardiovascular system, lowering the concentration of low-density lipoprotein, and the ability to inhibit the cyclooxygenases activity. Other health benefits include glucose metabolism, neuroprotective, antitumor, antidiabetic, and antioxidant effects.
Resveratrol has antiproliferative, anti-angiogenic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Its popularity in cosmetology and dermatology is primarily associated with proven ability to penetrate the skin barrier and antiaging activity. It has been shown that formulations with resveratrol can stimulate the proliferation of fibroblasts and contributing to the increase in the concentration of collagen III. Resveratrol has an affinity for the estrogen protein receptors (both ERα and ERβ), thereby contributing to the stimulation of collagen types I and II production. Moreover, resveratrol also has the antioxidant properties, thus can protect cells against oxidative damage associated with the effects of free radicals and UV radiation on the skin by reducing the expression of AP-1 and NF-kB factors and it slows down the process of photoaging of the skin. Apart from its antioxidant effects, a broad spectrum of effects has been attributed to the use of this compound such as skin-whitening, antiangiogenic and estrogen-like effects.
Resveratrol Biosynthetic Pathway
| Key Pathway Enzyme | Gene | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Tyrosine ammonia lyase (TAL) or Phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) | pal, tal | Converts L-tyrosine or L-phenylalanine to p-coumaric acid |
| 4-Coumarate:CoA ligase | 4cl | Activates p-coumaric acid to p-coumaroyl-CoA |
| Stilbene synthase (STS) | sts (from grapevine, e.g. VvSTS) | Converts p-coumaroyl-CoA + malonyl-CoA to resveratrol |
Biao Wang, et al. Deciphering resveratrol's role in modulating pathological pain: From molecular mechanisms to clinical relevance. Phytotherapy Research. 2023.
Resveratrol is available in different application grades depending on its purity, source, and end-use industry.
Cosmetic Grade Resveratrol
Purity: ≥98%
Food Grade Resveratrol
Purity: ≥98% (food-safe solvent residue)
Pharmaceutical Grade Resveratrol
Purity: ≥99% (low impurities, GMP-grade)
Research Grade Resveratrol
Purity: ≥99% HPLC
Industrial Grade Resveratrol
Purity: ≥95%
| Benefits | Mechanism | Applications | Recommended Concentration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | Scavenges ROS (free radicals), protects from UV-induced damage | Serums & Ampoules Sunscreens (as booster) | 0.5–2.0% |
| Anti-inflammatory | Suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines | 0.5–2.0% | |
| UV Protection | Enhances photoprotection when combined with sunscreens | 0.5–1.0% | |
| Anti-aging | Activates sirtuin pathways, reduces oxidative stress | Creams | 0.5–1.0% |
| Skin brightening | Inhibits tyrosinase, reducing melanin synthesis | Brightening treatments | 0.5–1.5% |
Producing resveratrol via microbial fermentation is a cutting-edge biotechnological process that offers a sustainable and scalable alternative to plant extraction. Resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene) can be biosynthesized by genetically engineered microbes, primarily yeasts (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Yarrowia lipolytica) and bacteria (Escherichia coli), engineered to express plant-derived biosynthetic genes.
| Microbial Hosts | Features | Key Engineering Goals | Use Case | Production Goal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E. coli | Fast growth, well-characterized, but may produce endotoxins | Increase precursor supply (tyrosine, malonyl-CoA) Insert plant genes for the biosynthetic pathway Knock out bottlenecks (e.g., competing metabolic pathways) Improve resveratrol efflux or detoxification |
Cosmetics | 1–5 g/L titer in GRAS yeast |
| S. cerevisiae | GRAS, ideal for food/cosmetic use, tolerates phenolic compounds | Nutraceuticals | ≥5 g/L in food-grade systems | |
| Yarrowia lipolytica | High flux to acetyl-CoA and malonyl-CoA, good for lipid-based fermentation | Pharmaceuticals | ≥10 g/L in GMP processes |
Using the approaches of metabolic engineering, common host microorganisms including E. coli and S. cerevisiae as well as a variety of non-conventional hosts have been extensively engineered for resveratrol bioproduction. The resveratrol pathway is divided into two modules for co-culture-based biosynthesis: the upstream E. coli module for p-coumaric acid production and the downstream S. cerevisiae module for p-coumaric acid-to-resveratrol conversion. Improved resveratrol production can be achieved through optimization of inoculated cell number ratios, fermentation temperatures, and cultivation times. A solid line represents an enzymatic reaction through an indicated enzyme whereas the dashed line represents reaction involving multiple enzymes.
Yuan, SF., Yi, X., Johnston, T.G. et al. De novo resveratrol production through modular engineering of an Escherichia coli–Saccharomyces cerevisiae co-culture. Microb Cell Fact 19, 143 (2020).
| Cat # | Product Name |
|---|---|
| MCLX0240 | Resveratrol (cosmetic grade) |
| MCLX0174 | Pichia/Resveratrol ferment extract |
| MBS-1938 | Resveratrol |
| Grade | Typical Source | End-Use Applications | US Regulatory | EU Regulatory |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic Grade | Fermented yeast, knotweed | Anti-aging creams, serums, skin-brightening products | Listed in INCI | Allowed in cosmetics |
| Pharmaceutical Grade | Fermented or synthetic | Supplements, oral dosage forms, clinical research | Dietary supplement; not FDA-approved as drug | Under evaluation |
| Food Grade | Grape skins, knotweed | Functional foods, nutraceutical beverages | GRAS for supplements | Novel food approval may be needed |
We provide in vitro human skin tissue models for cosmetic testing services. Our models are very similar to human skin in terms of morphology, of differentiation markers and of functional characteristics.
In vitro Testing
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We comply with all relevant global regulatory requirements, including those set by the FDA, EMA, and other cosmetic regulatory bodies.
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Extensive quality control processes, including testing for purity, molecular weight distribution, and endotoxin levels, ensure that every batch of HA meets the highest standards for cosmetic use.
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