What it is
Wine, as a cosmetic ingredient, is the fermented juice of grapes (Vitis vinifera) incorporated into formulas for its conditioning and toning properties. It carries naturally occurring polyphenols and acids contributed by the grapes and the fermentation process. In sunscreen and skincare products it appears at low levels as a botanical component within a larger blend.
Safety & warnings
Wine contains alcohol and naturally occurring acids and polyphenols; at the low concentrations typical in cosmetics it is generally well tolerated. People with very sensitive or reactive skin may prefer to patch test, as fermented and acidic botanicals can occasionally cause transient stinging.
Origin & sourcing
Natural; produced by the fermentation of grape juice (Vitis vinifera), the same process used to make beverage wine.
Questions everyone asks
Why is wine added to skincare and sunscreen?
It is used as a botanical conditioning and toning ingredient, contributing naturally occurring polyphenols and acids from the grapes.
Does the wine in cosmetics contain alcohol?
It can contain residual alcohol from fermentation, but it is used at low levels within the overall formula.