As the demand for natural, effective skin health solutions grows, scientists and wellness enthusiasts alike are turning their attention to time-tested botanical ingredients. Among them, hawthorn fruit (Crataegus spp.)—best known for its cardiovascular benefits—has recently gained recognition for its potential skin-enhancing properties. Rich in powerful polyphenols and antioxidants, hawthorn has long played a role in traditional medicine, but modern research is now uncovering its value in dermatological health, particularly in the areas of hydration and anti-aging.
New studies are revealing that oral supplementation with hawthorn fruit extract may help improve skin moisture, reduce signs of photoaging, and protect skin cells from oxidative stress. While still in the early stages of human clinical validation, findings from both lab and real-world trials suggest that hawthorn’s bioactive compounds could be a valuable tool in maintaining skin resilience and youthfulness, especially when combined with a healthy lifestyle and other supportive nutrients.
Skin Hydration: Key Findings
- A randomized, double‑blind placebo‑controlled human trial from Kookmin University (Republic of Korea) found that adults who consumed 900 mg of powdered hawthorn fruit daily for six months saw significantly improved facial skin hydration scores, especially among individuals with certain genetic profiles related to telomerase activity.
- A broader meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on oral fruit extracts confirmed that consumption of fruit-based supplements significantly enhanced skin hydration and reduced transepidermal water loss (TEWL) compared to placebo, although effects on elasticity and wrinkle depth were not statistically conclusive.
Anti‑Aging Potential
- In animal and cell studies, hawthorn polyphenol extract (rich in chlorogenic acid, procyanidin B2, and epicatechin) was shown to protect against UVB‑induced skin damage, reduce matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression, and stimulate type I procollagen production, effectively counteracting photo-aging markers such as epidermal thickening and collagen loss.
- Hawthorn’s high concentrations of polyphenols and flavonoids—particularly proanthocyanidins and epicatechins—help defend connective tissue from oxidative stress and inflammation and may protect skin structure and support collagen density, contributing to wrinkle prevention.
Mechanisms at Work
- The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds in hawthorn help neutralize reactive oxygen species triggered by UV exposure and pollution, thereby protecting collagen fibers and structural integrity.
- Moisture retention is enhanced through strengthening of the skin’s lipid barrier and increasing cellular water absorption, leading to plumper, more resilient skin.
- Some evidence suggests genotype-specific effects, where individuals with certain TERT gene variants experienced more pronounced hydration gains and wrinkle reductions.
Considerations and Safety
- While studies show promising skin benefits, interactions with heart medications are a concern: hawthorn may potentiate the effects of blood thinners, antihypertensives, and digitalis-based drugs.
- Reported safe daily doses in research range from 160 mg to 900 mg, but individuals should consult a healthcare provider—especially if on medication—for personalized guidance.
Future Directions
- Larger clinical trials are needed to confirm effects on wrinkle depth, elasticity, and pigmentation in broader populations.
- Research into genotype‑targeted benefits could enable more personalized anti-aging supplementation strategies.
- Additional trials testing topical formulations or combined oral‑topical regimens would help clarify hawthorn’s full dermatological potential.
Bottom Line
Hawthorn fruit supplementation shows strong scientific promise for improving skin hydration and offering anti-aging support, mainly through its polyphenol-rich antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and moisture-retaining actions. While animal and early human studies are encouraging, more definitive trials are required to establish consistent effects on wrinkles and elasticity. Anyone considering supplementation—especially those on cardiovascular medications—should consult a medical professional.
Sources:
- Kim et al. (2025). Effects of Hawthorn Fruit Supplementation on Facial Skin Phenotypes and Leukocyte Telomere Length… (Nutrients) NutraIngredients.com
- Li et al. (2023). Effects of oral intake fruit or fruit extract on skin aging… Meta-analysis (Frontiers in Nutrition) PubMed+1Frontiers+1
- Chang et al. (2019). Hawthorn polyphenol extract inhibits UVB-induced skin photoaging… (PubMed) Wake Up World+2PubMed+2PMC+2
- Health.com, Health Benefits of Hawthorn (Heart, antioxidant, and skin antiaging overview) NutraIngredients.com+8Health+8NewsBytes+8
- Healthline, 9 Impressive Health Benefits of Hawthorn Berry (includes anti-aging and inflammation topics) Healthline
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