Dragon Fruit Seed Oil
Hylocereus Undatus (Dragon Fruit) Fruit Extract is emerging as a powerful skincare ingredient that works by supporting your skin's natural defense systems. Research has shown it helps strengthen the skin barrier, balance the skin's microbiome (the beneficial bacteria living on your skin), and reduce inflammation [1]. These properties make it particularly valuable for sensitive skin types (Skin Types 1 and 5), as it helps create an environment where your skin can better protect itself against irritants and maintain healthy moisture levels.
What makes this ingredient particularly exciting is its ability to selectively promote beneficial bacteria while keeping potentially harmful bacteria in check. Clinical studies have shown it increases the diversity of healthy bacteria on the skin by 13% generally, with even better results (22% improvement) in people over 45 [1]. This microbiome-balancing effect helps support healthier skin across all skin types, but particularly benefits those with dry sensitive skin (Type 1) and oily sensitive skin (Type 5) who often struggle with inflammatory conditions [1,2].
For those concerned about aging, clinical research demonstrates impressive results: 11% reduction in wrinkle count, 7% reduction in wrinkle volume, and 5% reduction in wrinkle length [1]. The extract also improved skin radiance and reduced visible spots by 19%, making it valuable for addressing both aging and pigmentation concerns [1]. These benefits appear to work well for all skin types, though those with dry skin (Types 1 and 2) may see additional benefits due to the extract's ability to improve the skin's moisture barrier, shown by a 13% reduction in moisture loss [1,3].
The extract's anti-inflammatory properties make it particularly suitable for sensitive skin conditions, while its prebiotic effects help maintain a healthy skin environment that may help prevent future issues [1,2]. Whether you have dry, oily, or combination skin, this ingredient offers multiple benefits without adding excess oil or causing dryness. However, as with any botanical ingredient, those with very sensitive skin should patch test first, even though research indicates good tolerance across skin types [1,2,3].
References
[1] Havas F, Krispin S, Cohen M, Attia-Vigneau J. A Hylocereus undatus Extract Enhances Skin Microbiota Balance and Delivers In-Vivo Improvements in Skin Health and Beauty. Cosmetics. 2024;11:39. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics11020039
[2] Nishikito DF, Borges ACA, Laurindo LF, et al. Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Other Health Effects of Dragon Fruit and Potential Delivery Systems for Its Bioactive Compounds. Pharmaceutics. 2023;15:159. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15010159
[3] Nik Nur Azwanida Z, et al. Antioxidant and antibacterial activities of red (Hylocereus polyrhizus) and white (Hylocereus undatus) dragon fruits. J Trop Resour Sustain Sci. 2022;10:09-14.
