Ingredient Spotlight: Broccoli Extract
As a plant-based, organic CBD skin care brand, we’re committed to using natural and highly effective ingredients that benefit skin and deliver results.
While you’ve of course heard of broccoli, you may not have discovered the myriad skin benefits of broccoli seed extract. Let’s dive in to why we’ve chosen to use this powerhouse ingredient in our MASK CBD Skincare formulas, and what your skin can expect from incorporating broccoli extract into your daily routine.
How is broccoli extract made?
Though your mind may immediately drift to images of steamed broccoli being pureed into a skin serum, broccoli extract is actually not made from the cruciferous vegetable we love to see on our dinner plates. Instead, broccoli extract is derived from cold-pressing seeds of the sprouts—and these sprouts house powerful antioxidants. In fact, according to draxe.com, "Broccoli sprouts are said to contain up to 80-100 times more of the antioxidant sulforaphane than broccoli.”
What are the skin benefits of broccoli extract?
Broccoli extract may be lightweight, but it packs a punch when it comes to skin benefits. Here are some of our favorite ways this antioxidant-rich extract cares for skin:
1. Deeply moisturizing
Because of its high fatty acid content—including oleic, linoleic, erucic, alpha-linoleic acids—broccoli extract is incredibly moisturizing. The impressive amount of Omegas 3, 6 and 9 in this extract go to work on dry skin, leaving it looking quenched, supple and radiant. These deeply moisturizing properties may mean a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, now and in the future.
2. Helps protect from UV damage
Because of its high levels of the antioxidant sulforaphane, broccoli extract helps protect skin against UV damage. According to Dr. Sally Dickinson , a UA Cancer Center member and research assistant professor in the Pharmacology Department at the University of Arizona, “We already know that [sulfurophane] is very effective in blocking sunburns, and we have seen cases where it can induce protective enzymes in the skin.”
Broccoli extract can help stave off redness and inflammation associated with UV damage. While we don’t suggest you abandon your SPF in favor of broccoli extract, using natural CBD skin care with broccoli extract is a great way to care for skin—especially during the sun-soaked days of summer.
3. Nature’s Retinol
Vitamin A is often referred to as “nature’s Retinol” for its ability to encourage cell turnover and result in brighter, more even, radiant looking skin. In addition to its impressive list of fatty acids, broccoli extract contains Vitamin A, delivering the benefits of cell turnover without the unwanted side effects (peeling, red, irritated skin) of prescription retinoids.
Where can I find broccoli extract in skin care?
We’ve formulated MASK CBD Skincare Luminouss Hydrating CBD Serum with broccoli extract to help quench thirsty skin, protect it from aging free radical damage and to improve the look and feel of skin overall.
“As with everything in our products, the broccoli extract in our MASK Luminouss Hydrating CBD Serum was chosen for its ability to care for skin on a cellular level,” notes MASK founder Sarah Mirsini.
“Though we know eating broccoli has full-body benefits, using broccoli extract in skincare is a game changer because it’s packed with powerful fatty acids and antioxidants. Over time, using broccoli extract —combined with our hero ingredient, CBD—may truly improve the look of skin, leaving it calmer, balanced and noticeably luminous.”
