Researchers at the University of Los Angeles  (UCLA) have shown in 2014 how resveratrol, an antioxidant derived from grapes and found in wine, works to inhibit the growth of acne-causing bacteria.

The research team also found that the combination of resveratrol with an active ingredient already used against acne, benzoyl peroxide, improves the latter's ability to kill bacteria. To do this, colonies of acne-causing bacteria were cultured and different concentrations of resveratrol and benzoyl peroxide were then added in isolation and together. The bacterial evolution was observed over a period of 10 days.

Researchers have found that benzoyl peroxide is capable of killing bacteria at all concentration levels and without being combined with resveratrol, but the effect is only short-lived and does not exceed the first 24 hours. Resveratrol, on the other hand, does not have a high killing capacity, but inhibits bacterial growth for a longer period of time. The combination of the two molecules has been shown to be the most effective in reducing the bacterial count.

Results of the AgriWasteValue project

During the kick-off event, held on December 11, 2019, the AgriWasteValue partners presented some of the first results of the project. Among these, the partner Celabor explained that significant levels of polyphenols were found in grapes extracts, but also important antioxidant activities. Indeed, during the tests, interesting levels of resveratrol were discovered in the grapes residues. This molecule could be therefore of high interest for the cosmetic and nutraceutical industries in order to fight acne flare-ups with creams or food complements, as discovered by UCLA a few years earlier. 

Soon, during our mid-term event to be held on October 27 (subject to improvement in the health crisis), new results of the project, halfway through, will be presented. More information very quickly. Stay in touch !

Source: IAR Tremplin, "Des antioxydants du raisin pour inhiber les poussées d'acné" - 16/10/2014