Magnolia Extract

With age, our immune system slowly becomes less effective and inflammation can increase. Inflammation is an important process that our body goes through when it has to fight off infection or repair damaged tissue. However, this same protective process contributes to the aging process.

Inflammation has negative effects as it’s associated with the consistent production of free radicals in the skin. These are known to be instrumental in the development of wrinkles, smaller fine lines, sagging skin, blotchiness and skin redness.

Magnolia bark extract has been used for centuries for its anti-inflammatory purposes in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Celebrated as a herbal remedy for treating the stagnation of qi (energy), for digestive disorders, anxiety and allergic diseases, Magnolia bark extract can also help to prevent the loss of skin elasticity and reduce reddening of the skin.

Magnolia bark extract is one of the most potent anti-wrinkle ingredients tested so far at NIVEA. The extract is obtained from the bark of the Magnolia officinalis plant and it contains high amounts of organic compounds magnolol and honokiol, which are said to be up to 1000 times more potent in antioxidants than vitamin E. The anti-inflammatory properties of magnolol and honokiol also effectively help to fight and inhibit the activation of NF-KB, a key facilitator in the aging and chronic inflammation processes.

Anti-Oxidant and Anti-Bacterial

The extract also has anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties, which helps to neutralise free radicals and decelerate the aging process. Normally, the body can handle free radicals, but if antioxidants are unavailable, or if too many free radicals have been produced they can damage our cells.

Soft and Even Complexion

Magnolia bark extract is also used in skin care products like NIVEA’s BB Cream Daily Moisturiser to help fade dark spots and pigmentation, and to give the appearance of a soft and even complexion. 

*All information provided on this page is general information only and is not necessarily applicable to products containing these ingredients. For specific ingredient action please refer to product information.