All the benefits of shikimic acid The product that (maybe) will make you stop buying any other acid

If you thought you had already learned about all existing skincare actives, surprise: there’s a new star in town! It’s called shikimic acid and it’s extracted from star anise seeds. I’d say there couldn’t be a better time to discover it, especially with Christmas approaching, since this ingredient is widely used in seasonal culinary recipes. And what if, besides tea and cookies, we used it in front of the mirror too? Here are all the benefits of shikimic acid: the product that will help you halve your skincare routine steps, or almost.

What is shikimic acid

Shikimic acid is a natural acid belonging to the AHA family, better known as fruit acids, but with an extra perk: it’s much gentler than classic ones like glycolic or lactic. It’s mainly extracted from star anise seeds, which contain a very high concentration of it, but it’s not the only source: shikimic acid is also found in other plants, though in smaller amounts, such as pine needles, sweetgum trees, and Ginkgo Biloba.

The benefits of shikimic acid

Shikimic acid is basically the Swiss Army knife of skincare actives: one single ingredient with countless benefits. It works as a powerful yet gentle exfoliant, removing dead skin cells and brightening the complexion without irritation, while at the same time regulating sebum production and soothing redness and blemishes thanks to its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also a natural antioxidant, helping to fight skin aging, promote cell renewal, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. On top of that, it helps lighten dark spots and discoloration and keeps the skin barrier hydrated and protected.

For hair, too

According to a study published on PubMed, shikimic acid isn’t just great for the skin, it’s also effective on the scalp: it actually stimulates hair growth by promoting the anagen phase (the active growth phase during which follicles produce new hair shafts) of the hair cycle. Additionally, another PubMed study suggests that the antifungal properties of shikimic acid may help reduce dandruff.