Discover how Maqui Berry, Patagonia's antioxidant powerhouse, may help support skin hydration, elasticity, and radiance during menopause.
Menopause is a natural stage of life, but it often brings visible changes to the skin. As estrogen levels drop, many women experience dryness, loss of elasticity, and the appearance of wrinkles. While these changes are common, they do not have to define how your skin looks or feels. Keep reading to find out what you can do to support your skin during this time.
How Does Menopause Affect Your Skin?
During menopause, estrogen levels decline. This has a direct impact on the skin:
- Less estrogen → lower collagen and elastin production → skin becomes thinner and less firm.
- More oxidative stress → free radicals affect skin cells → dryness, wrinkles, and uneven tone become more visible.
In simple terms: fewer hormones mean less natural support for your skin, and more free radicals mean visible signs of aging can appear more quickly. This is why antioxidants are of particular interest during this stage of life.
Why Maqui Berry?
Native to Chile and Argentina, this deep purple fruit grows wild on the slopes of the Andes and in the valleys of Patagonia. For generations, it has been wild-harvested by local communities in southern Chile's native forests and used as part of their traditional wellness practices.
Curious about maqui's traditional roots and sourcing story? We cover it in detail in Unlocking the Secrets of Maqui Berry.
But what makes maqui so different from other superfruits like açaí, goji berries, and blueberries?
Maqui has one of the highest known ORAC scores (antioxidant capacity) among superfruits, and it is also rich in delphinidins — the most potent type of anthocyanin, studied for its relevance to skin wellness.
These qualities make maqui a standout among antioxidant-rich fruits, with a profile of interest for hydration, elasticity, and protection against oxidative stress — exactly the areas most affected by hormonal skin changes.
Want to see how maqui compares to açaí, goji, and blueberries? Check out our superfruit comparison article.
What the Science Says
Several clinical studies have looked at how oral antioxidants like maqui berry extract may relate to visible skin changes:
An 8-week randomized controlled trial using standardized maqui extract (Delphinol®) found an improvement in skin brightness, contributing to a more even-looking tone and reduced redness.
Shimizu et al., J Cosmet Dermatol Sci Appl, 2020A 12-week study of a formulation combining collagen peptides, vitamin C, and standardized maqui extract (Delphinol®) found a significant improvement in skin firmness, elasticity, and dermal thickness in adult women.
Addor et al., Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol, 2018A study of a multi-ingredient formulation containing marine collagen and maqui berry, taken daily for 21 days by 22 women aged 45–65, observed improvements in skin firmness, dermal density, and the depth of crow's feet, with effects still present three weeks after discontinuing treatment.
Boisnic, Evoleum clinical data, 2019Together, these studies suggest that oral antioxidants — particularly standardized maqui extracts like Delphinol® — may be a useful addition to a skin wellness routine for mature skin, supporting radiance, smoothness, and resilience.
Key Areas of Interest for Skin During Menopause
Now that we've reviewed the research behind maqui's skin-supporting qualities, here's a summary of the key areas of interest:
- Hydration & Elasticity – May help support skin suppleness and moisture.
- Collagen Support – Studied for its relevance to collagen and elastin preservation, contributing to a firmer-looking appearance.
- Antioxidant Defense – Helps the skin's natural defenses against oxidative stress.
- Radiance & Even Tone – May help support a brighter, more even-looking complexion.
How to Incorporate Maqui Berry Into Your Daily Routine
Fresh maqui berries are rare outside South America, but standardized extracts like Delphinol® and MaquiBright® help ensure consistent potency.
Popular formats include:
- Capsules and tablets
- Nutricosmetic blends (beauty-focused supplements)
- Functional beverages
If you're navigating menopause and want to support your skin's health and radiance, look for supplements containing standardized maqui extract. Delphinol® and MaquiBright® are trusted by leading beauty and wellness brands, including:
Use our Store Locator to explore maqui-based products, including Delphinol® and MaquiBright®, and find the option that's right for you.
Maqui Berry Supplement Formulation for Businesses
By incorporating standardized maqui extracts like Delphinol® or MaquiBright®, brands can develop innovative products for natural beauty and menopause-focused care, backed by clinical research.
MNL Group supplies standardized maqui extracts to leading brands in the market. Get in touch with us to learn more about developing your own maqui-enhanced formulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does menopause affect the skin?
During menopause, declining estrogen levels reduce collagen and elastin production, which can lead to thinner, less firm skin. This is often accompanied by increased oxidative stress, which can make dryness, wrinkles, and uneven tone more visible.
Can maqui berry help with skin changes during menopause?
Clinical research on standardized maqui extract (Delphinol®) has shown it may help support skin brightness, firmness, and hydration — areas commonly affected by hormonal skin changes during menopause.
What makes maqui berry different from other antioxidants for skin?
Maqui berry has one of the highest known concentrations of delphinidins, a potent type of anthocyanin studied for its relevance to skin wellness, giving it a distinct antioxidant profile compared to other superfruits.
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 way to incorporate it, available in capsules, nutricosmetic blends, and functional beverages.
Is maqui berry backed by clinical research?
Yes. Several clinical studies have evaluated standardized maqui extract, both on its own and in combination with other ingredients like collagen peptides and vitamin C, with findings related to skin firmness, elasticity, hydration, and brightness.
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. Individual results may vary. Always consult your healthcare professional before starting any new supplement.
References
- 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
- Addor FAS, Vieira JC, Melo CSA. Improvement of dermal parameters in aged skin after oral use of a nutrient supplement. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2018;11:195-201. doi:10.2147/CCID.S150269
- Boisnic S. Evaluation of the efficacy of oral collagen-based supplementation on wrinkles, densification, firmness and elasticity of the skin. Evoleum clinical data, December 2019.