by Natalie K. Bell
Once upon a time, quinces were revered by ancient peoples, who used them to pray to deities. The yellow fruit has a thick, fuzzy skin that’s difficult to remove. The flesh is so astringent and sour that they’re inedible raw, but are used for cooking. These “golden apples” have fallen from their high perch in more recent years, replaced by commoner fruits (New York Times). But recently, they’re gotten more attention. They’re slowly regaining popularity, in part because of their inclusion into skincare products in the form of quince seed oil.
Antioxidants
Quinces contain Phenolic Acid — a ubiquitous antioxidant that’s not yet well understood because of few in vivo studies (Agriculture and Food Chemistry). It also have flavenoids and other organic acids, which have been measured spectrophotometrically (Journal of the American Oil Chemist’s Society). It has a 73% phytosterol content — shown to help reduce cholesterol — and there’s some idea of the effects of quince in the body. It’s antimicrobial, anti-ulcerative.
This fruit may be golden in color, but they’re not necessarily the gold standard for antioxidants. Quinces don’t include vitamin E and they have about a 64.25% scavenging of DPPH free radicals (Journal of the American Oil Chemist’s Society). That doesn’t mean they’re not a valuable source of antioxidants still, on study called them a good, cheap sources of antioxidants that could be exploited on an industrial level (Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry). But the studies about antioxidant potential aren’t as numerous as those for other fruit and fewer still are done in vivo, which means there’s room to uncover more uses.
Anti-Allergy
A lot of research is being done on the anti-allergic properties of quinces. They’ve been shown to reduce inflammatory cytokin from mast cells (Phytomedicine). When consumed or applied topically in a solution of lemon juice and aqueous quince they work well to combat Type I allergetic symptoms in early and late phase allergic reactions (Bioscience Biotechnology Biochemistry). These promising studies still call for more research done in double-blind studies in vivo to uncover whether quinces will be useful to treat allergic reactions in the future. However, it’s also possible to be allergic to quinces and allergies have been discovered.
Healing Qualities
Quince is considered a healing oil (Cosmetics and Toiletries). It’s been used topically in traditional medicine to heal canker sores and gum disease (Mosby’s Handbook of Herbs and Natural Supplements). Several studies have been done on rabbit skin to determine their healing capabilities. One found that quince mucilage healed intentionally-made wounds better than an over-the-counter wound cream (Journal of Herbs, Spices, and Medicinal Plants). Another study found that quinces mucilage when used on rabbit skin suffering from T-2 toxicity healed better than no cream or a eucerin cream (Experimental and Toxicologic Pathway). Studies call for more research as well as double-blind and human studies to discover how effective quinces are for wound healing.
Bottom Line
Quinces are fruits with a lot of promise — both in skincare and the kitchen. They have a winning combination of being cost efficient and having antioxidants. Their anti-allergetic and wound-healing properties are being studied, though they’re already used to treat certain oral ailments. It is also possible to be allergic to quinces. Future studies will uncover exactly how beneficial quinces are, but in the meantime, we’re aware of some of their benefits.
If you want to try quince in skincare, consider:
Dr. Hauschka Quince Day Cream, 1.0-Ounce Box ($21.12, Amazon.com) — with avocado, olive, and jojoba oil in addition to quince, this cream promises to be super hydrating for dry and sensitive skin.
Eminence Organics Quince & Ice Wine Masque ($44.71, Amazon.com) — with a biocomplex containing vitamin C and E as well as Co-Q10, this mask can replenish your skin.
About the author: Natalie K. Bell is the former magazine editor of The Pitt News. She has nearly five years of experience in print and communications. She loves big sun hats and good grammar. For more, please visit our About page.
