Recently research from Scotland’s Robert Gordon University has helped discover that the antioxidants extracted from whisky prove beneficial for skin rejuvenation.
It was researchers from RGU’s School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences that found a way to infuse a by-product of the whisky distillation process in beauty products, a natural ingredient to be added to ZAZA & CRUZ’s luxury skincare line.
A statement from the university noted this could be the first time a whisky by-product has been used to investigate the antioxidant capacity of cells.
The project came about when Interface, who connect organizations with academia, met with Rebecca Hastings, the owner of ZAZA & CRUZ which specializes in natural ingredient skincare.
The independent business uses a unique and natural blend of ingredients that rejuvenate and moisturize skin, as well as shield against cellular damage and anti-aging.
GlenWyvis Distillery in nearby Dingwall agreed to be part of the project and supply samples for testing.
Funded through an innovation voucher via the Scottish Funding Council, the research results found that placing the nutrients and polyphenols from whisky in skincare can help to boost the skin; fight free radical damage from the environment; reduce inflammation and puffiness; and calm redness in the skin.
The use of whisky extract was initially inspired by the beneficial effects on the skin that the sake yeast fermentation process was proven to have by a Japanese company in the 1970s.
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“From day one we were both excited about the project and of the outcomes we were to find. Having the experience of the team at RGU helped me as a business owner in my field to feel confident in the results that they could produce with their research facilities,” said ZAZA & Cruz Founder Hastings.
Principal investigator and senior lecturer on the project, Dr. Carlos Fernandez, said, “The RGU team has developed a great partnership with ZAZA & CRUZ and this is reflected by two successful research projects investigating the antioxidant effect of pot ale from whisky for health care products.”
The collaborative project’s success will lead ZAZA & CRUZ to implement changes to include the newly discovered ingredients in its growing range of skincare offerings, and gives the company the platform to develop further with its new understanding and scientific approach of research testing and development.
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