What Is Vitis Coignetiae Fruit Extract?
Vitis Coignetiae Fruit Extract comes from the fruit of Vitis coignetiae, a hardy climbing grape native to Japan and parts of Korea. The berries are rich in natural polyphenols such as resveratrol and anthocyanins, along with sugars, organic acids and small amounts of lipids. These compounds give the fruit its deep red color and strong antioxidant potential, traits that attracted the attention of the cosmetic world in the last two decades.
Historically the fruit was used locally for fermenting beverages and natural dyes. As scientific interest in plant antioxidants grew, formulators began testing its extract in skin care to help defend against free radical damage and add a subtle hue to products. Today manufacturers produce the ingredient by harvesting ripe berries, washing and crushing them then soaking the mash in a food grade solvent like water or ethanol to pull out the active compounds. The liquid is filtered, concentrated under low heat and spray-dried or preserved as a liquid extract ready for cosmetic use.
You will most often spot Vitis Coignetiae Fruit Extract in antioxidant serums, anti-aging creams, hydrating gels, sheet masks, deodorant sticks, after-shave lotions and even tinted moisturizers where its natural pigments can enhance color.
Vitis Coignetiae Fruit Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators value this berry extract for several complementary roles:
- Antioxidant – helps neutralize free radicals generated by UV light and pollution which can contribute to dullness and premature lines giving skin a more resilient appearance
- Deodorant – its polyphenols can curb odor-causing bacteria making it useful in underarm products and foot creams
- Humectant – the natural sugars draw water into the upper skin layers promoting a fresher plumper look
- Skin Conditioning – vitamins and organic acids support a smoother softer feel improving overall skin comfort
- Emollient – the small lipid fraction forms a light protective film that reduces moisture loss without heaviness
Who Can Use Vitis Coignetiae Fruit Extract
This fruit derived extract is gentle enough for most skin types including dry, balanced, combination and oily skin. Its light film forming lipids and water binding sugars hydrate without feeling greasy so even those prone to breakouts often tolerate it well. Very reactive or allergy prone skin should keep in mind the extract comes from grapes so anyone with a known grape allergy may want to skip it.
Because it is 100 percent plant sourced and involves no animal by-products the ingredient is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Processing typically relies on water or food grade ethanol rather than animal based solvents.
Available research shows no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding users when the extract is applied topically in cosmetic amounts. Still this is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should show their doctor the full ingredient list of any product before adding it to their routine just to be safe.
The extract is not known to make skin more sensitive to sunlight so it does not increase the need for sun protection beyond the usual daily SPF recommendation.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Individual responses to Vitis Coignetiae Fruit Extract vary. The following are potential but uncommon reactions when the ingredient is used as part of a finished cosmetic formula
- Skin irritation such as stinging or burning
- Redness or swelling especially on very sensitive skin
- Allergic contact dermatitis in people with grape or wine allergies
- Mild temporary discoloration of light fabrics or towels due to the natural pigments
- Watery eyes or nasal irritation if used in a spray mist and inhaled
If you experience any of these issues stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Vitis Coignetiae Fruit Extract contains mostly water soluble polyphenols and sugars with only trace lipids so it sits lightly on skin and is unlikely to clog pores. Its humectant nature actually helps keep sebum fluid which can further reduce congestion.
Suitable for acne prone or breakout prone skin.
Always remember the finished formula matters; if the extract is blended with heavier oils or waxes the overall product could still feel occlusive.
Summary
Vitis Coignetiae Fruit Extract offers antioxidant protection, odor control, water binding hydration, skin softening and a hint of emollience. Polyphenols like resveratrol mop up free radicals, the sugars pull in moisture, trace lipids smooth the surface and antibacterial compounds curb unwanted odor.
While not yet a mainstream star it is gaining traction in niche K beauty lines and eco friendly deodorants thanks to its plant based profile and vibrant grape story.
Topical use in normal cosmetic amounts is considered very safe, with most users experiencing no irritation. As with any new ingredient do a quick patch test when you try a product that features it so you can rule out personal sensitivities.