Every day, our skin is faced with an onslaught of environmental aggressors. This is essentially an umbrella term for anything that can cause harm to the skin over time—things like UV rays, infrared radiation, blue light, and air pollution. They cause oxidative stress to the skin, meaning they can break down collagen and elastin and lead to premature signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles. So, how can we protect ourselves from these environmental aggressors and the oxidative stress they cause? Easy. We can use antioxidant-rich skincare products. The primary function of antioxidants is to neutralize free radicals (the unstable compounds that environmental aggressors like UV rays produce). “Free radicals can damage cellular structures, like DNA, lipids, and proteins, and contribute to the appearance of aging skin,” says Brendan Camp, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist. Using an effective antioxidant skincare product is an easy way to prevent these free radicals from wreaking havoc on the skin. While there are many antioxidant ingredients you can turn to, including vitamin C, there’s one in particular that’s been making waves in the beauty industry lately: alfalfa (otherwise known as Medicago sativa). It’s garnering attention from brands and consumers for its anti-pollution effects. Ahead, learn all there is to know about this buzzy ingredient and shop some of the best protective products.
Aside from the aforementioned antioxidant benefits that stave off free radicals and oxidative stress, Camp says alfalfa is rich in vitamins and minerals that offer calming effects. “It’s an excellent ingredient to add to your skincare routine,” he says. “Not only will it stave off premature signs of aging, but it will also aid in easing redness and irritation due to its high concentration of nourishing vitamins and minerals.” Talk about a multi-tasking ingredient.
According to Camp, alfalfa is so buzz-worthy right now for a couple of reasons. “Alfalfa is trending because people are always looking for something new and different to give a boost to their skin,” he says. “In addition, as a naturally derived ingredient, it ticks the ‘organic’ or ‘natural’ skin care box.”
That explains why it’s often used in retinol alternatives, such as serums that include bakuchiol. While the latter gets to work to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles (much like retinol), alfalfa provides antioxidant benefits and keeps irritation at bay. These retinol alternatives are touted as a gentle and natural substitute for retinol, which can often cause harsh side effects like dryness, peeling, flaking, and redness.
Since alfalfa is first and foremost a protective ingredient, Camp says it’s “best for the prevention and treatment of aging skin.” So, it doesn’t matter what skin type you have; if you’re focused on preventing or minimizing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots, this ingredient can benefit your skin.
Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist agrees, saying that even sensitive skin types can use this ingredient without fearing consequences like irritation or redness. She also says that it can be used daily.
As always though, experts recommend patch-testing new skincare products, just in case. “As with any new skin care product, it is a good idea to patch-test it on the inside of your arm if you have a history of contact dermatitis or sensitive skin,” Camp says.
This new launch from Kora Organics is the first certified organic retinol alternative on the market. It uses bakuchiol, alfalfa, and plant stem cells to offer all the benefits of retinol without harsh side effects. Learn more about this new product and how Kora Organics founder, Miranda Kerr, uses it in her routine.
Another retinol alternative serum, this one uses probiotic extracts, goji berry, bakuchiol, and alfalfa sprouts to firm and smooth the skin.
Garshick recommends reaching for this superfood cleanser if you want to incorporate alfalfa into your skincare routine. “In addition to spinach, kale, and green tea, this cleanser contains alfalfa to deliver antioxidant benefits without stripping the skin,” she says.
Alfalfa can also be found in the brand’s Hydrate + Firm Eye Cream. “In addition to alfalfa, this hydrating and firming eye cream contains kale, aloe, and sunflower oil, each providing nutrients to the delicate skin around the eye,” Camp says.
With hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and alfalfa extract, this serum hydrates, minimizes the appearance of enlarged pores, and soothes the skin.
With ingredients like alfalfa, flaxseed, and wild cherry, this moisturizer promises to defend your skin against all forms of environmental pollution, including blue light.
This eye gel became a viral sensation when people saw how it could tighten the appearance of under-eye bags. “Alfalfa is featured in this product that tightens and firms eyelid skin to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” Camp says.
Camp also recommends this cleanser that’s nutrient-rich and contains alfalfa and other vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Together, these ingredients “gently remove makeup without stripping the skin of oil.”
Speaking of Tata Harper products, alfalfa is also a featured ingredient in this anti-aging moisturizer. We like the fact that it’s lightweight and easily sinks into the skin. So many other anti-aging moisturizers are thick or leave residue on the skin.
This multi-tasking night cream contains retinaldehyde (a gentle form of vitamin A), along with alfalfa, collagen stimulators, peptides, and hyaluronic acid. It promises to do everything from repair skin damage to boosting clarity and preventing signs of aging.
This night cream contains retinyl palmitate (another gentle form of vitamin A), as well as alfalfa and peptides to firm and smooth the skin without irritation.
