Application research of resveratrol in functional cosmetics

With the iteration of the cosmetics industry toward functionality and natural orientation, plant-derived active ingredients have become an important direction in the current research and development of functional skincare products. Resveratrol is a natural polyphenolic compound with antioxidant activity. It can inhibit melanin synthesis, scavenge free radicals, protect the skin against photoaging, and promote collagen repair, and therefore possesses significant application value in the two major tracks of skin whitening and anti-aging. Compared with mainstream functional ingredients such as retinol, alpha-hydroxy acids, and high-concentration niacinamide, resveratrol is less irritating to the skin and has no restrictions on day or night use; however, it also suffers from defects such as instability to light and heat, susceptibility to oxidation, and a low transdermal absorption rate. Taking the skincare application of resveratrol as the core, this paper briefly analyzes its physicochemical properties and its mechanisms of whitening and anti-aging, and also points out the problems existing in current research, including the absence of dosage standards, incomplete safety evaluation, and insufficient human bioavailability. It is suggested that more comparative clinical studies should be carried out in the future for verification, and that technological innovation should be pursued to correct its absorption defects, so as to provide a useful reference for the development of resveratrol in natural multi-functional cosmetic products.