Pomegranate with its juicy, ruby red arils is not only a delicious fruit but has been known for centuries for its many health and skincare benefits. From being a blood purifier and managing heart problems, to preventing sun-related skin damage and even being considered an aphrodisiac, there’s little that this mighty fruit can’t do. It might as well wear a cape!
We spoke to Dr Meghna Gupta, founder & dermatologist, Delhi Skin Centre about how this phytonutrient-rich botanical can help when it comes to skincare. She says, “Pomegranate is a powerful antioxidant and is rich in polyphenols. It thus, helps in preventing sun damage, repairs and protects the skin, improves hydration, and also revitalizes and regenerates the skin making it feel and appear healthy.” Whoa! See what we mean about that cape?
Let’s dive into each of these benefits…
Benefits Of Pomegranate In Skincare
UV Protection: While it cannot replace sunscreen, clinical studies have shown that pomegranate has the ability to enhance UV protection in the skin, where skin cells are better equipped to deal with harmful UV rays and their effects.
Anti-ageing: It’s not for nothing that pomegranates have been called a superfood. In skincare, it can help thwart premature ageing caused by sun damage – so bye-bye fine lines, age spots, hyperpigmentation and wrinkles.
Antioxidant-rich: It contains antioxidants such as anthocyanins, ellagic acid, and tannins, which work against free radical damage, thereby slowing the signs of ageing. It also stimulates skin cells that help in cell regeneration.
Healthier looking skin: Pomegranate extracts help boost elasticity in the skin by aiding in collagen and elastin production, which means smoother, firmer skin. Moreover, pomegranate seed oil contains a unique compound called punicic acid which can help to improve skin elasticity and even out skin tone.
Excellent hydration: Extracts from this fruit and its seeds work well to moisturise the skin. Its small molecular structure enables it to penetrate deeply into the skin, making it effective for treating dry skin.
Dr Meghna points out, “Pomegranate extracts in skincare work well with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, peptides and vitamin E to name a few.” She adds that while it is suitable for all skin types, it could, in some cases, cause irritation in sensitive skin and acne-prone skin types. But nothing that a simple patch test can’t rule out.
Now, we can bet you didn’t know there were so many amazing skincare and body care products infused with the goodness of pomegranate. Here are our picks…
1. Estée Lauder Nutritious Super-Pomegranate Radiant Energy Moisture Creme
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Providing all-day hydration, this creme promises to gently detoxify skin while infusing it with moisture for hydrated, plumped, glowing skin. This Nutritious Super-Pomegranate range also includes a lotion, night crème, and 2-in-1 cleansing foam, which are all infused with pomegranate harvested from the pristine Mediterranean basin. The fruit is transformed through an 8-step whole-fruit cold-solvent extraction process to preserve its power and potency. Now, that sounds good enough to eat!
2. Prakti PritiPolish
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This new-age face scrub uses a finely-milled rice powder that gently exfoliates while natural pomegranate enzymes encourage cell turnover, and powerhouse Ayurvedic ingredients revitalize and deliver a major antioxidant boost to the skin. Natural AHAs from the pomegranate extract clear away dead skin cells, leaving skin brighter and more radiant.
3. Innisfree Jeju Pomegranate Revitalizing Emulsion
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Formulated with 100% fresh Jeju pomegranate juice and pomegranate seed oil, this milky emulsion helps achieve naturally glowing skin from within and strengthens skin’s firmness on the surface. The range includes a serum, toner, capsule cream, foaming cleanser, and an eye essence as well, which all help improve the skin’s moisture level and elasticity, making it look clearer and more youthful.
4. Neemli Naturals Pomegranate & Sea Buckthorn Body Oil
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Pomegranate’s nourishing qualities and Himalayan sea buckthorn’s glow-inducing properties come together in this massage oil that helps brighten and nourish the skin and remove any unwanted tan. Recommended for use after a bath or for a massage, it is quick-absorbing and doesn’t leave any oily residue. The good news is that all the oils used in this product are the highest grade without any fillers.
5. Forest Essentials Silkening Shower Wash Iced Pomegranate & Kerala Lime
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Enjoy clean, hydrated and glowy skin as you indulge with this sulphate-free shower wash that nourishes and purifies the skin. The fresh blend of antioxidant-rich pomegranate and lime leaves skin lightly scented with subtle, citrus notes. The Iced Pomegranate & Kerala Lime collection also consists of an ultra-rich body milk, body mist, sugar soap and after bath oil. This makes us feel fresh already!
6. TonyMoly I’m Pomegranate Sheet Mask
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Known for its cute, colourful packaging, this K-beauty brand’s sheet masks are quite a hit. The three-layer sheet mask, packed with pomegranate extracts, naturally boosts your collagen, increases elasticity, and softens and removes keratin build-up. The watery essence absorbs deeply into the skin without any stickiness or heaviness. Just perfect for the summer!
7. The Face Shop Pomegranate And Collagen Volume Lifting Serum
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Enriched with pomegranate extracts and marine collagen, this serum is a highly concentrated firming one that absorbs into skin effectively, leaving skin looking and feeling lifted. The pomegranate extracts help brighten and boost the skin’s vitality, while collagen provides resilience to the skin and lifts and firms it. The range also has an emulsion, toner, cream and eye cream.
8. Victoria’s Secret Pomegranate & Lotus Hydrating Body Lotion
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Part of the Natural Beauty Body Care Collection by Victoria’s Secret, this indulgent lotion is infused with shea butter and coconut oil and provides 24-hour moisturisation with the subtle scent of pomegranate and lotus. To maximise the scent benefit, you can also pair the lotion with its matching fragrance mist, exfoliating body scrub and body wash.
9. Juicy Chemistry Certified Kakadu Plum and Pomegranate Facial Oil
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A 100% organic facial oil, this is a blend of vitamins A, C, E and antioxidant-rich oils. It helps promote a more even skin tone, firmer texture, and delays the signs of ageing. Infused with pomegranate seeds, it repairs cellular damage while grapefruit helps control oil production.
10. Kimirica Shower Gel & Lotion Body Care Duo
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A new range of sulphate-free shower gels and silicone-free body lotions by Kimirica, these are enriched with a blend of nettle, pomegranate, and soyabean extracts and provide lasting hydration and moisturisation. They are available in five delicious-smelling variants—Whispering Peach, Pink Caribbean Clouds, Miami Nights, Sunkissed Clementine, and Madagascar Vanilla.
11. Dove Exfoliating Body Polish Scrub with Pomegranate Seeds and Shea Butter
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With a thick, whipped texture, this fresh, pomegranate-scented polish effectively removes dead skin cells to reveal soft, radiant skin. It is made with one-fourth of moisturising cream and naturally derived cleansers to deeply nourish the skin.
12. Good Vibes Pomegranate Glow Toner
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A lightweight, alcohol-free hydrating face toner, it effectively balances the skin’s pH levels, minimises the appearance of visible pores and instantly refreshes skin. The antioxidants present in pomegranate neutralise free radicals which help in preventing premature ageing of the skin.
