What is Camellia Japonica Flower Extract?
Native to Japan, Korea, and China, the camellia japonica flower (known as Tsubaki in Japan) is more than just a pretty bloom. It boasts a rich history in traditional medicine, treating bleeding and inflammation. Science has caught up in recent decades, revealing its impressive skincare benefits. This extract, packed with polyphenols and flavonoids, offers a powerful one-two punch: antioxidant and anti-pollution protection. Camellia japonica keeps your skin shielded, while simultaneously plumping and hydrating for a radiant complexion. No wonder it’s a star ingredient in many cosmetic products today.
What can Camellia Japonica Flower Extract do for your skin?
Antioxidant – packed with gallic acid, a polyphenol superstar, camellia japonica outshines even vitamin C in its ability to neutralise free radicals – the culprits behind premature ageing.1 It also supercharges your skin’s natural defence system by boosting antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase.2 The multi-layered defence against free radical damage translates to healthier, younger-looking skin.
Fights off Free radicals – skin ageing comes in two forms: intrinsic, the natural decline due to genetics, and extrinsic, caused by environmental aggressors like UV rays, pollution, and cigarette smoke. These aggressors generate free radicals, molecules that damage skin cells and accelerate ageing. Camellia japonica offers a powerful defence. Studies have shown it effectively combats both UV-induced and pollution-induced photoageing.3 By neutralising these free radicals, camellia japonica helps your skin maintain its youthful appearance.
Collagen – unlike many antioxidants, gallic acid is oil-soluble. This allows it to penetrate deeper into the skin’s dermis, reaching where collagen production takes place. Research suggests that gallic acid may stimulate collagen synthesis, leading to a plumper, firmer appearance and a more youthful complexion.1
Hydrating – camellia japonica’s saponins act as a barrier, preventing moisture loss through transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
Anti-inflammatory – with a long history of treating inflammation, its anti-inflammatory properties effectively soothe redness and irritation.
