The Science Behind Our Breadfruit Flower Extract
by Catherine Conelly
Many powerful ingredients make up the skincare world— vitamin C, retinoids, collagen and hyaluronic acid, to name a few. You’ve likely seen them all over product labels promising healthier skin. But breadfruit flower is lesser-known. It’s an impressive ingredient unique to the Altilis Beauty line, and scientific studies are just beginning to scrape the surface.
So, what is it about breadfruit flower extract that your skin loves? Here’s what science tells us.
It Helps Prevent and Reverse Sun Damage
One study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology tested the effects of UVB radiation on skin that was pretreated with breadfruit flower extract and skin that was not. The extract-treated skin had fewer harmful pro-inflammatory cells released by UVB radiation, and it slowed collagen loss in skin already damaged by the sun. Additionally, we know that breadfruit flower extract contains a flavonoid called Artocarpin that’s a known UV protector and works against photodamage.
It Acts as an Anti-inflammatory
Azelaic acid occurs naturally in the breadfruit flower and is widely used by dermatologists to soothe rosacea symptoms, acne flare-ups, and other inflammatory skin issues. While it’s commonly used to target those skin problems, it’s also beneficial for everyday use. In a study published in the journal Experimental Dermatology, researchers looked specifically at how azelaic acid impacts healthy skin’s inflammatory response to UVB exposure. They concluded that topical application was able to inhibit inflammation.
In another study, published in Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy Research, researchers studied the anti-inflammatory effects of breadfruit flower. They made extracts from both fermented and dried breadfruit leaves and then monitored the anti-inflammatory effects on the skin. Spoiler: It worked. Inflammation decreased anywhere from 37% to 71%.
It Works Against Premature Aging
Flavonoids are antioxidants, and breadfruit extract has them in spades — particularly vitamin C. They help prevent premature aging by attacking the free radicals that attack your skin’s fatty tissue (which leads to reduced elasticity and cell damage). The International Journal of PharmTech Research published a study in 2016 that compared the anti-aging effects of breadfruit extract to those of other over the counter skin creams. They found that breadfruit extract was 3.5% more effective. And it works in your favor by neutralizing and reducing free radicals that can lead to dark spots and wrinkles, which are the visible result of cell and tissue damage and reduced elasticity.
It Brightens Skin
The elements like sun exposure as well as imbalanced hormones and inflammation can affect your skin’s melanin levels, which can lead to hyperpigmentation and age spots. Skincare products often target this skin issue with ingredients that act as a tyrosinase inhibitor (an enzyme that contributes to skin pigmentation). Breadfruit extract is 15 times more potent than the most popular natural tyrosinase inhibitors (which are also thought to be unstable and may cause unwanted side effects). In addition, breadfruit flower extract features additional natural tyrosinase inhibitors like the unique compound Artocarpone, azelaic acid and vitamin C. Talk about multipurpose ingredients!
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, there’s power in breadfruit flower extract, and that’s why we created a skincare line centered on just that. Our complete skincare system is three parts: cleanser, moisturizer and serum (our line also features the powerful extract in a lip balm, gel mask and body butter). It’s a great way to experience the benefits of breadfruit firsthand.
References:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874115301483
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23871788/
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1600-0625.2010.01107.x
http://sphinxsai.com/2016/ph_vol9_no12/2/(524-530)V9N12PT.pdf