Quercetin is a plant-based chemical known as a flavonoid – a pigment that gives beautiful, rich colors to fruits and vegetables. The most plentiful source of Quercetin is apples, but it can also be found in tea, olive oil, lemon, cabbage, spinach, onions and grapes to name a few.

Research about Quercetin is still in its early stages, but so far it has shown to have both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The theory for the cosmetic industry is that products made with Quercetin should be able to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles. And its anti-inflammatory properties should also help it treat eczema, acne, rosacea and rashes.

The known fact about flavonoids is that you can only absorb them by eating food that contains them, or through nutritional supplements. The question that researchers still need to answer is whether Quercetin can deliver the same benefits if applied topically onto the skin. There’s no need to avoid products that contain Quercetin, but just be aware that if the product actually works, it may – or may not be – the Quercetin that is providing the antioxidant benefits.

While the scientists do their thing, it is never a loss to eat food and take supplements with Quercetin.