Anti-Aging Essentials: How Tomato Extract Hydrates, Brightens, and Tones

by Madeline Kim on Aug 23, 2021

Interested in learning about more anti-aging ingredients? Check out the rest of our Anti-Aging Essentials series here.

Tomato is a beloved ingredient in many cuisines for both its sweet, refreshing taste and its immense health benefits. Antioxidant-rich tomatoes contain a host of vitamins and nutrients, including Vitamins A, B, and C, potassium, and lycopene. Not surprisingly, these healthful qualities also make it a potent skincare ingredient. Thanks to its abundance of antioxidants, tomato extract provides powerful anti-aging benefits that promote glow, tightness, and deep hydration. When incorporated into targeted anti-aging skincare products, tomato extract acts as an efficacious tool against fine lines, age spots, dullness, and dryness.

Benefits of Tomato Extract for Supple, Radiant Skin

It exfoliates the skin: Among its many beneficial properties, tomato extract contains pectin and flavonoids, which has been shown to aid in the exfoliating process. When used in a mask or exfoliating cleanser (like our Deeply Clarifying Face Mask), tomato extract helps to remove dead skin cells and turn the skin radiant, soft, and supple.

It provides deep hydration: Rich in potassium, tomato extract also has powerful moisturizing properties. According to dermatologist Bruce Robinson, FAAD, electrolytes like potassium “can help your skin to retain water… and [could] eventually help your skin get better at holding onto hydration.” Tomato extract thus has the potential to bring hydration to dry, dull skin on a long-term scale.

It reduces age spots and hyperpigmentation: Studies have shown that Vitamin C has immense anti-aging properties, which include anti-pigmentation. Rich in Vitamin C, tomato extract can reduce the appearance of age spots and hyperpigmentation while bringing radiance and evenness to the skin.

It tightens the skin: In addition to reducing hyperpigmentation, Vitamin C can also stimulate collagen production. Tomato extract can thus contribute to skin tightening and increased skin elasticity, which makes skin appear firmer and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

It prevents sunburn: Tomato extract contains lycopene, which studies have shown to reduce sensitivity to UV radiation. It can also reduce the risk of sun damage, thus combating the formation of wrinkles and fine lines. However, it should not replace sunscreen in your routine!

UMA Recommends:

While research remains unclear on the efficacy of directly applying tomato to the skin, many of our products incorporate tomato extract into anti-aging formulas that have been refined for many years. To reap the full anti-aging benefits of tomato extract, we recommend targeted anti-aging products like our Absolute Anti Aging Aloe Rose Toner, Absolute Anti Aging Face Mask, and Ultimate Brightening Face Mask.