I have had the pleasure of using a few products that include maqui berry in their formulation. Both products exceeded my expectations and I think maqui might have something to do with it…hmm. While it’s known as a superfood next to its celebrity peers such as açaí, blueberries, and blackberries, maqui berry also makes an exquisite skincare ingredient. To put it in perspective, maqui has nearly 4-30 times more potency than other super berry antioxidants like goji berry and pomegranate!
The Superfruit
Maqui berry is a natural, high-potency antioxidant that I recommend experiencing as part of your skincare. This Chilean superfruit is the queen of antioxidants, due to its high concentration of anthocyanin, a bioflavonoid known for its colorful pigment and free-radical targeting properties. Its anthocyanin count is the highest of any fruit, giving the maqui berry an Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) score of 27,600, which is a scientific measurement of antioxidant potency.
The anthocyanins in maqui berry help to protect skin from UV wavelengths and other forms of light radiation that cause oxidative stress, also known as free radicals. FYI, proper SPF is still needed even when using maqui berry. With this level of antioxidant protection, maqui berries can help reduce cell damage and uneven skin tone. It’s also highly beneficial for anyone who has sensitive or irritated skin as maqui berry has potent anti-inflammatory properties.
The Experience
In my opinion, you can never go wrong with antioxidants, especially if it’s a high-quality product from a reputable brand. You just want to make sure the ingredient is available in a shelf-stable formula and is packaged appropriately to ensure product potency.
Ready to experience all things maqui berry? A couple of my favorite products are the Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask by Youth to the People and the Maqui Berry Drops by Skin Owl.
Feeling adventurous and want to make your own formulation with this super-star ingredient? Try mixing a few drops of high-grade maqui berry oil, tangerine or citrus oil, and vanilla essential oil into an amber glass bottle with a dropper cap. Massage several drops onto freshly cleansed skin every night for healthy, smooth, radiant skin.
Let us know in the comments what you think of maqui berry!