MNL Group Blog

Maqui Berry: The Antioxidant Powerhouse your Summer Skincare needs

Written by MNL Group | Dec 5, 2025 1:54:40 PM

When the sun is shining and the days are long, your skin is exposed to increased stress. UV rays, heat, pollution, and sweat can all impact your skin's balance. While SPF is essential, the nutrients you consume matter just as much as topical care. That's where Maqui Berry comes in.

Native to the pristine regions of southern Chile and Patagonia, maqui berry has one of the highest known concentrations of antioxidants among berries such as açaí, goji, and blueberries. For generations, it has also been used by local communities in southern Chile's native forests as part of their traditional wellness practices.

Today, emerging scientific research highlights maqui's potential to support healthy, radiant skin from within.

Why Maqui Berry Supports Skin Health

Maqui is exceptionally rich in anthocyanins, especially delphinidins — potent antioxidants studied for their role in skin wellness and cellular defense. Its antioxidant capacity, measured through ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity), far exceeds that of other berries. A high ORAC score points to strong support for neutralizing free radicals and helping the skin's defenses against the oxidative stress associated with visible aging.

Areas of interest for maqui and skin:

  • Helping neutralize free radicals generated by UV exposure
  • Supporting skin's resilience against oxidative stress linked to wrinkles and dark spots
  • Supporting a brighter, more even-looking complexion
  • Contributing to overall radiance, especially under summer sun

Looking for products formulated with standardized maqui extract for cellular-level radiance? Explore REDOX Radiance by ASEA or Hair, Skin & Nail Essentials by Terry Naturally.

Curious about maqui's antioxidant profile compared to other superfruits? We break it down in our superfruit comparison article.

What Research Reveals About Maqui and Skin Health

Clinical study

An 8-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that daily intake of standardized maqui berry extract (Delphinol®) was associated with improved skin brightness and color saturation, and reduced visible facial redness in healthy Japanese women.

Shimizu et al., J Cosmet Dermatol Sci Appl, 2020

These findings support maqui's antioxidant profile and its potential to help promote a more even, radiant-looking complexion from within.

How Maqui May Support Skin During Summer

1. Natural UV-Related Support

Maqui does not replace sunscreen, but its antioxidants may help neutralize free radicals generated by sun exposure, supporting skin's resilience against premature visible aging and uneven pigmentation.

2. Hydration and Elasticity Support

Delphinidins are studied for their potential to support the skin's moisture barrier and contribute to collagen-related mechanisms, which may help promote smoother, more supple-looking skin.

3. Support for Redness and Skin Comfort

Maqui's antioxidant activity may help support skin comfort, which can be especially relevant for sensitive or heat-exposed skin.

4. More Radiance and Even Tone

Research on standardized maqui extract has shown improvements in brightness and reductions in visible blotchiness, supporting a healthy summer glow.1

How to Add Maqui to Your Skincare Routine

Fresh maqui berries are difficult to find outside Chile and Argentina, and their antioxidant potency varies naturally. The benefits seen in clinical studies come specifically from standardized maqui extracts with controlled delphinidin levels.

If you want a simple, science-backed way to support your skin this summer, explore Hair, Skin & Nail Essentials with Delphinol® maqui berry extract. This formula is designed to support even tone, radiance, and a youthful-looking complexion.

Use our Find Products page to explore more partner products formulated with Delphinol® and MaquiBright®.

Final Thoughts

Whether your goal is to brighten your complexion or support your skin during summer, adding maqui — especially in standardized extract form — may be a helpful addition to support skin wellness from within.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can maqui berry help protect skin during summer?

Maqui doesn't replace sunscreen, but its antioxidant compounds may help neutralize free radicals generated by UV exposure, supporting skin's resilience against premature visible aging.

What does clinical research say about maqui and skin?

An 8-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that standardized maqui extract (Delphinol®) was associated with improved skin brightness and reduced visible facial redness in healthy Japanese women.

Why is maqui berry good for skin compared to other antioxidants?

Maqui has one of the highest known ORAC (antioxidant capacity) scores among berries, thanks to its high concentration of delphinidins — a potent type of anthocyanin studied for its relevance to skin wellness.

How can I add maqui berry to my skincare routine?

Since fresh maqui berries are hard to find outside South America, standardized extracts like Delphinol® and MaquiBright® are the most practical option, available in capsules and beauty-focused nutricosmetic blends.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

References

  1. Shimizu N, et al. Effect of maqui berry extract on skin brightness and redness: a randomized controlled trial. J Cosmet Dermatol Sci Appl. 2020;10(4):159-166. doi:10.4236/jcdsa.2020.104017