Coffee Berry
Written for Walgreens.com
In the last several years, coffee berry has become one of the hottest ingredients in skin care products. But what is coffee berry and how does it differ from regular, old coffee?
What is CoffeeBerry?
Coffee berry, as used in skin care products, is a patented, stabilized, concentrated extract of fresh-picked, 100% Arabica whole coffee fruit. It is actually related to regular coffee. In fact, the coffee beans that become our breakfast brew are found inside of the coffee fruit, or coffee berry. Each berry contains two coffee beans that are processed and roasted to become a steaming hot mug of goodness. That goodness extends to your health by adding more than just caffeine to your morning routine. Coffee is also a great source of antioxidants. For many years, coffee beans were valued and the coffee berry itself was thrown away. Not any more.
Why is coffee berry so popular?
Recently, scientists discovered that the coffee berry is a great source of antioxidants, even more so than brewed coffee. That’s because many of the nutrients in coffee are destroyed during the processing and roasting that the beans undergo. Coffee berries don’t require the same processing, which means that in the end, they keep significantly more of their nutrients. These nutrients include, most notably, a blend of natural polyphenol antioxidants such as Chlorogenic acid, Ferulic acid, Quinic acid, and Proanthocyanidins. Coffee berry extract is the most potent form of natural antioxidants of any fruit, vegetable, or tea so far tested by the USDA ORAC method. With a minimum ORAC value of 15,000, it is three times more potent than green tea and easily beats out even the pomegranate.
These antioxidants are important because they help expand the skin’s natural defenses against an array of harmful free radical molecules that can cause cell damage and result in premature skin aging. Antioxidants can help protect the skin from the damaging effects of the sun, may encourage cell and tissue growth, and may help the body to repair itself. This is very helpful, especially to the skin, which is constantly shedding and regrowing cells.
Owing to its antioxidants and the other nutrients found in coffee berry, the extract may have depigmenting properties, may offer a visible reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and may reduce and even out irregular skin tones.
How is coffee berry used in skin care?
Coffee berry is currently being used in many kinds of skin care products, including: facial cleanser, skin firming serum, eye cream, daily moisturizing cream, brightening complex, night cream, and sunscreen. Typical concentrations of coffee berry in those products range from 0.1%-1.5%.