Saffron: everything you need to know about this spice for skin and hair care.

Saffron extract is a natural ingredient used in the formulation of various cosmetic skin and hair care products due to its numerous benefits.

• Antioxidant.

  Saffron extract is primarily known for its antioxidant properties, which are derived from the crocin, crocetin, and safranal it contains. These molecules all have a protective effect on cellular organelles and DNA, defending the skin and hair fibers against the action of free radicals. Indeed, these reactive and unstable species can notably cause genetic mutations and are involved in the premature aging of the skin and the appearance of white hair. Therefore, saffron extract has a photoprotective potential and is an excellent ally for preventing the appearance of wrinkles.

• Anti-inflammatory.

  Studies have shown that saffron's crocin and crocetin can target the Toll-like receptors (TLR), playing a role in the regulation of various transcription factors, such as the nuclear factor (NF-κB), but also in triggering pro-inflammatory signaling pathways. Indeed, the NF-κB factor stimulates the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Researchers have demonstrated that saffron can suppress the activity of NF-κB via the inhibition of IκB kinase phosphorylation. These various mechanisms make saffron extract a good ingredient for combating redness and itching. It is sometimes incorporated into treatments for acne-prone skin.

• Healing.

  The saffron contains kaempferol, a molecule capable of stimulating the activity of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), whose role is to trigger the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis). Additionally, saffron extract increases the production of interleukin-6 (IL-6), which has regenerative effects on the skin and induces the migration and proliferation of keratinocytes. Therefore, saffron can accelerate the healing of acne lesions or minor injuries.

• Moisturizer.

  The polysaccharides found in saffron extract are considered to be humectant agents. This is due to their molecular structure, which promotes the absorption and retention of water. This property is beneficial for the skin, as proper hydration is necessary for it to be supple and plump. Hair also benefits from the hydrating effect of saffron extract, as when it is not adequately hydrated, it becomes dry and brittle.

• Delays skin aging.

  In vitro studies suggest that safranal, a molecule found in saffron extract, is capable of blocking the activity of elastase, collagenase, and hyaluronidase. These three enzymes respectively catalyze the degradation of elastin, collagen, and hyaluronic acid . These molecules are essential for the skin's suppleness, elasticity, and hydration. A decrease in any of these compounds promotes the appearance of wrinkles and skin sagging. By inhibiting these processes, saffron extract helps to delay skin aging.

• Photoprotective.

  Saffron extract also possesses photoprotective virtues, derived from the safranal it contains. Studies have shown that this compound has an SPF (Sunburn Protection Factor) of 6.6, which is quite low considering that a sun care product begins to be considered effective when its SPF reaches 15. The SPF is the index measuring a product's ability to block UV rays responsible for sunburn. It has been shown that adding saffron extract to a chemical-based SPF 20 sun care product can increase the SPF by 43%.

• Has a chronobiological activity.

  The circadian cycle, repeated every 24 hours, regulates various biological processes in the body. Being directly exposed to light, skin cells play a role in this cycle. Prolonged exposure to UV light can disrupt this rhythm, leading to disturbances on various scales. A study in vitro, conducted on human epidermal keratinocytes, focused on the expression of circadian cycle genes. Initially at 100%, this drops to 36% after 6 hours of exposure to UVB rays. The addition of 1% saffron extract in the culture medium allows the expression of these genes to maintain at 54% after 6 hours of exposure. Therefore, this ingredient helps to protect various biological processes from the deregulation caused by UV light.

The saffron is a natural ingredient whose topical application presents almost no contraindications. For example, it is suitable for pregnant women, as well as young children. Caution is only necessary if you have a food allergy to saffron. This does not necessarily lead to a cosmetic allergy, but it is still recommended to apply a principle of precaution and seek advice from a treating physician in case of doubt.

Due to its numerous benefits for the skin, Typology has incorporated saffron extract into its antioxidant serum. Enriched with antioxidant actives such as ferulic acid and Ashitaba extract (INCI: Angelica Keiskel Extract), this skincare product protects the skin from oxidative stress caused by exposure to UV rays, pollution, or tobacco. Moreover, it slows down skin aging for a firmer and more radiant skin. This serum should be applied morning and evening on a previously cleansed and dried face. It is recommended to use it for at least four weeks to see the initial results.