Benefits
Immediately tightens the skin
Protects against pollution-induced oxidative stress
Supports collagen synthesis
Minimises the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Best For
Pollution-exposed skin
Ageing skin
Fine lines
Dull skin
Loss of firmness
Environmentally stressed skin
What Is Griffonia?
Griffonia (formally Griffonia simplicifolia) is a woody climbing shrub native to West and Central Africa. Its seeds contain up to 10% 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan), the direct biological precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin. In oral supplements, Griffonia is used to help support mood, anxiety and sleep regulation.
In skincare, Griffonia extract is used as an antioxidant, for UV and environmental protection, and for its firming and lifting effects on the skin. The extract acts as a natural shield to help protect the skin from photoageing, and its antioxidant action neutralises damaging free radicals. The high molecular weight molecules from the plant form a film on the skin that lifts and firms.
How It Works
Griffonia extract neutralises oxidative stress caused by free radicals from urban pollution, helping to shield skin cells from the drivers of premature ageing. Its high-molecular-weight carbohydrates form a thin, supple film across the skin's surface, creating an immediate tightening and lifting effect, visibly smoothing the look of fine lines within minutes of application.
Why Formulation Matters
Griffonia seed extracts are water-soluble, so they're best added into the water phase of an emulsion, or during the cool-down phase for heat-sensitive lysates.
Because these extracts carry high-molecular-weight carbohydrates, adding too much to a water-thin serum can cause unwanted stringiness or thickening.
The formula should also be kept to a skin-compatible pH of 4.5–5.5. While 5-HTP itself is reasonably stable, extreme pH can degrade the accompanying botanical carbohydrates and cause the formula to separate or lose its firming effect.
Scientific Notes
Research into Griffonia simplicifolia seed extracts, including a 2023 study by Mannino et al., has explored their antioxidant properties alongside their broader metabolomic profile, supporting Griffonia's use as an antioxidant active for protecting skin cells against environmental and pollution-driven oxidative stress.
