Watermelon

[ˈWo-tər-me-lən]

Categories:
Fruit Extracts,
Antioxidant


Watermelon Skin Care Benefits:
Antioxidant

Watermelon, also known as Citrillus lanatus, is a fruit grown in the warmer regions of the world. While commercially sold for its juicy, sweet interior, nutrients in watermelon are utilized in skin care as a key source of antioxidants and lycopene.

Lycopene is an essential nutraceutical carotenoid that provides watermelon with its red color. The extraction of lycopene from watermelon is key to providing skin care products, such as creams and serums, with antioxidant properties. 1Antioxidant protection helps to neutralize harmful free radicals that exist both within the body and in the environment. Additionally, due to the fact lycopene is fat-soluble, it is favorable to penetrate the skin’s surface and be absorbed by the top layers or epidermis. Watermelon derived-lycopene can be found in various over the counter products such as moisturizers, sunscreens, as well as anti-aging skin care. 2

  1. Shahzad, T. et al. DPPH Free radical scavenging activity of tomato, cherry tomato and watermelon: lycopene extraction, purification and quantification. International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences 6.2, 223-228 (2014)
  2. Allemann, I. and Baumann, L. Botanicals in skin care products. International journal of dermatology 48.9, 923-934 (2009)