Resveratrol
Resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant and polyphenol found in grapes, red wine, berries, and certain plants, widely used in skincare for its anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and protective properties. Known for its ability to neutralize free radicals, resveratrol helps shield the skin from environmental stressors such as UV radiation, pollution, and oxidative damage—factors that contribute to premature aging, fine lines, and dullness.
One of resveratrol’s standout benefits is its ability to stimulate collagen production and improve skin elasticity, making it a key ingredient in many anti-aging formulations. It supports firmer, plumper skin while reducing the appearance of wrinkles and sagging. Additionally, resveratrol has been shown to activate sirtuins, proteins linked to cellular longevity and repair, further promoting youthful-looking skin over time.
Beyond its anti-aging effects, resveratrol possesses anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties, making it beneficial for individuals dealing with redness, irritation, or inflammatory skin conditions such as acne and rosacea. It helps calm stressed skin, reduce redness, and support overall skin health, making it suitable for sensitive skin types.
Resveratrol is often combined with other antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid to enhance its stability and effectiveness. It is commonly found in serums, moisturizers, and eye creams, where it helps combat daily environmental aggressors while supporting skin repair and renewal.
Although resveratrol is highly effective, its stability in skincare formulations can be a challenge. Many brands use encapsulated or stabilized forms to ensure optimal absorption and longevity. Regular use of resveratrol-enriched products can help promote brighter, firmer, and more resilient skin, making it a valuable addition to any anti-aging and protective skincare routine.
Resveratrol (3,5,4′-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) is a stilbenoid, a type of natural phenol or polyphenol and a phytoalexin produced by several plants in response to injury or when the plant is under attack by pathogens, such as bacteria or fungi. Sources of resveratrol in food include the skin of grapes, blueberries, raspberries, mulberries, and peanuts.
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 Chemical structures of cis- ((Z)-resveratrol, left) and trans-resveratrol ((E)-resveratrol, right)
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| Names | |
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| Preferred IUPAC name
5-[(E)-2-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)ethen-1-yl]benzene-1,3-diol | |
| Other names
trans-3,5,4′-Trihydroxystilbene;
3,4′,5-Stilbenetriol; trans-Resveratrol; (E)-5-(p-Hydroxystyryl)resorcinol; (E)-5-(4-hydroxystyryl)benzene-1,3-diol | |
| Identifiers | |
3D model (JSmol)
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| ChEBI | |
| ChEMBL | |
| ChemSpider | |
| DrugBank | |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.121.386 |
| KEGG | |
PubChem CID
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| RTECS number |
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| UNII | |
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)
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| Properties | |
| C14H12O3 | |
| Molar mass | 228.247 g·mol−1 |
| Appearance | white powder with slight yellow cast |
| Melting point | 261 to 263 °C (502 to 505 °F; 534 to 536 K) |
| Solubility in water | 0.03 g/L |
| Solubility in DMSO | 16 g/L |
| Solubility in ethanol | 50 g/L |
| UV-vis (λmax) | 304nm (trans-resveratrol, in water) 286nm (cis-resveratrol, in water) |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling: | |
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| Warning | |
| H319 | |
| P264, P280, P305+P351+P338, P337+P313 | |
| Lethal dose or concentration (LD, LC): | |
LD50 (median dose)
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23.2 μM (5.29 g) |
| Safety data sheet (SDS) | Fisher Scientific Sigma Aldrich |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Although commonly used as a dietary supplement and studied in laboratory models of human diseases, there is no high-quality evidence that resveratrol improves lifespan or has a substantial effect on any human disease.
