Snowberry Extract Suggested as Natural Alternative for Skin Hydration, Anti-Aging

The authors of a recent International Journal of Molecular Sciences article evaluated the dermatological benefits of snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus) and concluded that fermented snowberry extracts could be used for effective skincare products as a natural alternative for enhancing hydration and signs of aging. 

Dr. Chanwoo Lee and co-authors provided a comparative analysis of extracts and fermented products from different plant parts. The evaluation focused on snowberry’s moisturizing and anti-wrinkle effects, comparing extracts from different parts of the plant with those subjected to fermentation using Lactobacillus plantarum.

After Chlorophyll-free extracts were prepared from various parts of the plant and ferments were created using Lactobacillus plantarum, the extracts and ferments were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). This was done to compare and determine their chemical compositions. 

The authors tested moisturizing and anti-aging to assess the efficacy of the extracts and ferments on the skin. The gallic acid content remained unchanged across all parts of the snowberry before and after fermentation. However, Fermented Snowberry Leaf Extracts showed a slight decrease in chlorogenic acid content, but a significant increase in ferulic acid. 

Skin efficacy tests revealed that Fermented Snowberry Leaf and Fruit Extracts enhanced the expression of AQP-3, HAS-3, and COL1A1. 

Improved moisture retention and protection against aging were indicated as potential skin benefits from the extract profiles.