Camellia japonica flower extract

Camellia japonica flower extract is also known as Tsubaki, Japanese camellia, common camellia. Native to Korea, China, and Japan, research has shown this plant has impressive antioxidant, anti-pollution, and soothing abilities.

Specific to anti-pollution, testing on human skin samples revealed that topical application of the flower extract protects fibroblasts (cells in skin that make collagen) from oxidative damage that heavy metal airborne pollutants trigger. It also intercepts collagen-degrading enzymes before they lead to visible signs of aging such as wrinkles and orange peel-like skin texture. At the same time, this plant extract addresses loss of collagen that can visibly impact pore size.

Along with offering antioxidant and pollution-neutralizing benefits on its own, topical application of Camellia japonica flower also boosts the presence of several antioxidant enzymes that naturally occur in skin, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. This helps skin better defend itself against external aggressors that detract from a healthy appearance.

This plant is also a rich source of the oil-soluble antioxidant gallic acid that defends skin against visible signs of UVB damage while also interrupting excess melanin production.

References for this information:

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, January 2019, ePublication
Cosmetics, February 2018, ePublication
International Journal of Molecular Sciences, April 2011, pages 2,618-2,630