Are There Any Medically Proven Benefits of Saffron for Skin Health?

Saffron is a vibrant red spice that comes from the plant saffron crocus (Crocus sativus). It’s made of the flower’s dried stigmas (the tops of the female part).
The plant is thought to have originated in Greece. These days, it grows in many countries, including Iran, Spain, and China. Traditionally, saffron has been used to color and flavor food. It’s also used as an herbal remedy for ailments like back pain, wounds, and abscesses.

Saffron is a valuable ingredient in the cosmetics industry. Many people claim that saffron can relieve common skin issues, including inflammation and acne.
Some of these claims are backed by science. Let’s explore what the research says, along with how to use saffron on the skin.

Proven benefits of using saffron for skin

Saffron has a variety of proven skin-friendly properties. Here’s what it can do for your skin:

Protects against UV radiation

When it comes to skin health, protecting against ultraviolet (UV) radiation is one of the best things you can do.
UV radiation promotes the production of free radicals, which causes oxidative stress. This damages your skin cells and accelerates skin aging.
Crocin, the active compound in saffron, might help. A 2018 lab studyTrusted Source found that crocin has potent antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are molecules that reduce oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals.
The study also found that crocin protects against ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which are responsible for premature skin aging.
Another 2018 lab studyTrusted Source found that crocin also works against ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, which also contribute to early skin aging.

Fights inflammation

Inflammation, which can be caused by oxidative stress, is the root of many diseases. This includes inflammatory conditions involving the skin.
The antioxidant properties of crocin can help fight this oxidative stress and inflammation. According to the 2018 lab studyTrusted Source mentioned above, crocin suppresses the expression of various inflammatory proteins.

Supports wound healing

Proper wound healing is key for healthy skin. It lowers your risk of developing complications, including skin infections and scarring.

Reduces hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation occurs when parts of your skin become darker than the surrounding skin. It’s caused by excess pigment, or melanin. You can develop hyperpigmentation due to scarring, sun exposure, or hormonal changes.
A 2013 human study discovered that saffron’s active compounds, including crocin, can decrease melanin. The compounds work by suppressing the tyrosinase, an enzyme that’s essential for melanin production.

Does saffron oil have any benefits?

Like the dried spice, saffron oil comes from the C. sativus flower. It’s made by extracting the oil from the stigmas.
Saffron oil also contains crocin, the active compound responsible for the skin benefits of saffron. Therefore, saffron oil has potential for improving the skin as well.

Unproven claims

In terms of skin care, there are some claims about saffron that have been debunked. Saffron:

Doesn’t hydrate skin

Many people claim that saffron can hydrate and moisturize the skin.
A 2010 studyTrusted Source determined that this isn’t true.

Doesn’t fight acne

Theoretically, the anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties may help treat acne.
No studies prove this benefit, though. A 2016 study found that saffron has antibacterial properties, but it involved foodborne bacteria instead of those that cause acne.