Snapshot
- Overview
- Quercetin is a plant antioxidant that helps skin resist daily damage.
- Category
- Antioxidant, Soothing, Sensitive Skin
- Type
- Antioxidant
Quercetin
Quercetin is a plant-derived flavonoid commonly included in skincare as an oil-soluble antioxidant. It's used to stabilize formulas and support skin's resilience against environmental stressors, and the evidence for topical use is fairly favorable.
Like this ingredient?
Our take
Is Quercetin a Good Ingredient?
Good, because as a plant-derived flavonoid antioxidant it has supportive, though not extensive, topical evidence: it helps scavenge free radicals and can aid formula stability. The evidence is promising but not as strong as benchmark antioxidants like vitamin C or E, which is what keeps it from Great.
What it does
Skin Benefits
Helps defend skin against free-radical damage and supports a calmer-looking complexion, and can reduce the look of dullness from daily exposure.
Where you'll find it
Uses in Skincare & Cosmetics
Often included in serums, moisturizers, and eye creams to bolster antioxidant protection within daily routines, and also found in facial oils where oil-soluble actives are preferred.
Before you use it
Safety
Generally considered low risk for irritation in cosmetics, though very reactive skin should patch test. No widely recognized regulatory restrictions for typical topical use.
