Eucalyptus extract could be a key ingredient in the fight against environmental skin stressors such as pollution and blue light, according to new research by The Estée Lauder Companies.
Presenting its latest skin defense and anti-aging research findings at the 2019 Society for Investigative Dermatology Meeting in Chicago, the cosmetics giant revealed that “skin cells can sense and integrate signals coming from Eucalyptus extract to combat environmental insults and regenerate from within”.
Kurt Schilling, Estée Lauder’s senior vice president for Basic Science Research and Advanced Technology, said accumulating scientific evidence has demonstrated that exposure to ozone, pollution, UV radiation and blue light “can have detrimental effects on human skin, including increased oxidative stress and inflammation, and decreased barrier function”.
“Eucalyptus globulus, also known as Tasmanian blue gum or Southern bluegum, is a widely cultivated evergreen tree native to Australia,” he explained.
“Numerous studies have characterised the pharmacological benefits provided by E. globulus, including antibacterial and antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, and antihistaminic activities among many others.
“This research shows that Eucalyptus extract [also] has significant antioxidant activity that can help skin to defend against oxidative stress from pollution, UV or blue light and reduce associated oxidative damage.”
Although there over 400 different species of eucalyptus. Eucalyptus globulus is the main source of eucalyptus oil around the world.
The tree’s leaves are steam distilled to extract the oil which has been commonly used in a wide range of commercial health products including cough lozenges, mouth washes, joint and muscular pain relief creams and antimicrobial washes, since the 1800s. Australian Aboriginals used eucalyptus leaf infusions for thousands of years before then to treat body pains, sinus congestion, fever and colds.
Schilling said The Estée Lauder Companies, which owns 29 skincare, makeup, fragrance and haircare brands including Estée Lauder, Clinique, Prescriptives, MAC, La Mer, Bobbi Brown, Aveda and Too Faced, is at the forefront of understanding the impact that environmental stressors have on the barrier of skin and skin ageing.
“As our scientific research continues to uncover key anti-aging ingredients and better understand the biological mechanisms behind aging, we will continue to apply this knowledge to help define and advance the future of beauty for our global consumers.”
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