What is Black Currant?

Black currant, also known as Ribes nigrum, is a woody shrub native to northern Europe and northern Asia. The fruit from this plant is full of fatty acids, Vitamin C, and polyphenol phytochemicals, which makes black currant extract an ideal ingredient for skin care formulas.

A Brief History

People began growing black currant domestically within the last 500 years or so but has been traced back to the 11th century where it was cultivated in Russian monasteries. In the 17th century, people all over Europe began growing it and it was highly valued for its medicinal properties. In the 1800s, black currants were one of the most popular berries in the United States. In the early 1900s, they discovered that the plant was responsible for a fungus white pine blister rust, which ruined white pine trees. During World War II, the British government encouraged its citizens to grow black currant since fruits rich in Vitamin C were hard to come by. Because of this, the growth of the crop increased significantly. Fast forward to today, white pine trees can resist fungus and black currants are cherished for the way they can help our skin and overall health. 

How It’s Made?

As we mentioned before, black currant extract comes from the black currant plant. While the whole plant can be used to make the extract, the properties can vary depending on which part of the plant is used. Typically, the extract is made from the seeds though. A popular way to do this is via a cold press.

Benefits of the Berry

Black currant extract is mainly made up of essential fatty acids like linolenic acid and linoleic. These fatty acids help keep skin hydrated and firm. If your skin doesn’t get the fatty acids it needs, it can end up looking scaley and feeling irritated. It also contains antioxidants that help nourish damaged skin.

Its lipid content is perfect for oil-based emulsions and is effective in penetrating the skin’s surface. As well, black currant extract is able to integrate amongst the membrane of the skin which improves overall hydration. Black currant extract can also help protect against environmental factors that damage skin.

Some of these environmental factors include sun exposure, pollution, and oxidative stress which all-cause signs of aging in the skin. Black currant extract fights against this and keeps you looking youthful and flowing. It does this through the power of antioxidants like Vitamin C and E, as well as polyphenols.

Even more great news on all that Vitamin C black currant extract is filled with, it can improve collagen production. This is just one more way that black currant extract helps with skin elasticity and prevents fewer wrinkles. 

For those of you who suffer from blemish-prone skin, you’re in luck. People with acne tend to have lower levels of linoleic acid, which black currant extract is filled with. This means your skin gets those fatty acids it needs and stays clear when you use products with this powerhouse ingredient. 

Uses

Black currant extract and oil have a lot of uses. In fact, when ingested it can help with:

• Improving your immune system

• Soothing dry eye

• Lowering bad cholesterol

• Fighting inflammation

• Improving hair

When used as a skincare ingredient, as well as being ingested, black currant extract can help you achieve a beautiful look naturally. It’s anti-inflammatory properties help with conditions such as eczema, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis. 

It also makes a great addition to any anti-aging products and acne-fighting products to give those trying to age gracefully and blemish-prone teens the skin they want. 

It can be found in several different products such as:

• Creams

• Serums

• Moisturizers

• Lotions

• Oils

• Body washes

Allergies

If your interest has been piqued by black currant extract but you’re worried about any adverse effects it can have on your skin, you’re in luck. Black currant is safe for virtually all skin types. Only in a handful of cases have there been reports of skin irritation and allergic reactions.

The EWG also stated the chance of getting an adverse reaction is slim to none. With that being said, always consult your dermatologist if you have any concerns.

Expert Advice

In a study done by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel, it was determined that black currant extract is safe for cosmetic products with no limitations.

Despite this prestigious institute giving one of our favorite ingredients the green light, there isn’t an abundance of research out on black currant extract. What research has been published has all reported positive outcomes.