Pomegranate

The hundreds of ruby-colored seeds inside pomegranates were once thought to symbolize fertility, and given the fruit’s proven powers as a strong antioxidant, it has given birth to a huge number of products, including designer juice and high-end skin-care creams.

The pomegranate’s power comes from ellagic acid, a type of polyphenol, which is an antioxidant found in red wine and green tea. Antioxidants seek out and neutralize cell-damaging free radicals that come from the environment (pollution, UV rays) and from the body’s natural aging process. Ellagic acid has been shown in some studies to neutralize free radicals more effectively than the other polyphenols found in green tea and red wine. It’s also more stable in skin-care products than some other antioxidants, like vitamin C, which can lose potency when exposed to light and air.

Find It In:

Murad Energizing Pomegranate Moisturizer SPF 15, $30, www.murad.com

Murad Energizing Pomegranate Lip Therapy SPF 15, $16, www.murad.com

Archipelago Pomegranate Creme for the Hands, $26, 800-399-4994 for stores