28 SKIN CARE
After 2h 80
* * 60 40 20 0
25 *
29 *
29 *
50 *
55 *
60 * 40 20 0
19 *
19 *
24 *
30 *
41 *
40 20 0
Figure 1: Cashew Apple Extract provides better skin hydration than placebo and hyaluronic acid. The graph shows how much hydration increased (in %) compared with baseline, measured 2, 4 and 8 hours after one application. N = 20; Mean + SEM. ANOVA-test vs. baseline and vs. placebo were statistically significant; * = p < 0.05
- washed, cut and sun-dried - to preserve their phytochemical profile. Turning these previously discarded apples
into a valuable resource creates direct socio- economic benefits. Processing steps such as washing, slicing and drying generate additional income and employment, especially for women in rural communities. This sourcing model meets the growing demand for transparent, ethical and socially responsible beauty ingredients.
Cashew apple – sustainable and attractive to cosmetic consumers Upcycling - turning by-products or waste materials into useful ingredients - has become an important idea in conscious beauty. We ran a consumer survey (n = 210) to assess how people feel about upcycled ingredients in cosmetics. The results showed strong approval: most participants saw upcycling as a responsible use of resources, believed that upcycled ingredients can work as well as regular ones, and said they would be willing to buy beauty products made with upcycled materials. In the second part of the survey, we asked
participants about cashew apples. While 99.5% knew cashew nuts, only 25% had ever heard of the cashew apple. After being introduced to the fruit, consumers reacted positively. They saw cashew apple as an attractive and promising ingredient for skin hydration and cosmetics in general and even rated it more relevant than the classical apple.
Firmness
25 20 15 10 5 0
* +20% * +12%
20 15 10 5 0
-5 Placebo 2% Cashew Apple Placebo 2% Cashew Apple
Cashew apple extract provides superior skin hydration This study tested the skin-hydrating effect of Cashew Apple Extract after a single application. Its performance was compared with placebo and a cream containing hyaluronic acid (HA), a common benchmark for moisture retention. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study,
20 women (19 - 64 years of age) applied five test creams to different areas on their inner forearms. Three creams contained Cashew Apple Extract at 1%, 3% or 5%. One cream contained 0.2% high–molecular-weight hyaluronic acid (positive control), and one was a placebo without active ingredients. Skin hydration was measured with a Corneometer® at baseline and again after 2, 4 and 8 hours. As a result, all creams containing Cashew Apple
Extract led to a clear increase in skin hydration. The extract performed better than both the placebo and the hyaluronic acid (HA) benchmark at all time points. After 2 hours, the placebo and HA increased hydration by 25% and 29%, while Cashew Apple Extract showed a dose-dependent effect with increases of 29%, 50% and 55% at 1%, 3% and 5% (Figure 1). At 4 hours, hydration from the placebo and HA dropped to around 19%, whereas Cashew Apple Extract maintained higher values of 24%, 30% and 41%. After 8 hours, the effects of the placebo and HA were minimal, but Cashew Apple Extract continued to provide superior moisturization across all concentrations. Overall, Cashew Apple Extract delivers both
Elasticity * 0.2 +11% Skin relaxation (=Elasticity) -0.8% 0.1 Skin elevation phases (=Firmness) 0 0 10 20 Time (s)
Figure 2: Cashew Apple Extract improves firmness and elasticity. Firmness reflects the force required to lift the skin by 0.3 mm; elasticity reflects how quickly the skin returns to its original position. N = 26; mean + SEM; Wilcoxon test vs. placebo; * = p < 0.05
PERSONAL CARE MAGAZINE February 2026
www.personalcaremagazine.com 30 40
fast and long-lasting hydration after a single application. Its stronger performance compared with placebo and hyaluronic acid highlights its excellent water-binding capacity and its ability to support the skin’s moisture barrier. Cashew Apple Extract offers immediate and superior skin hydration, outperforming hyaluronic acid.
Cashew apple extract improves skin firmness and appearance This study examined how Cashew Apple Extract influences skin smoothness, firmness and pore visibility. The goal was to see whether the extract could create a firmer, smoother and more refined skin surface. In a double-blind study, 26 women (30–65 years of age) applied a cream with 2% Cashew Apple Extract to one side of the face and a placebo to the other side twice daily for 56 days. Skin firmness and elasticity were measured with a Cutometer®, and a dermatologist assessed texture, smoothness, pore size, visible pores and overall complexion. The results showed clear improvements on the
side treated with Cashew Apple Extract. Firmness and elasticity increased (Figure 2), and the dermatologist noted better skin texture, smoother surface and a more even complexion. Pore size and the number of visible pores were also reduced (Figure 3). These benefits reflect the natural compounds in cashew apple which support collagen, smooth the skin and tighten the surface.4 In conclusion, Cashew Apple Extract
revitalizes facial skin, making it smoother, firmer
Measurement Principle Cutometer 0.3
7 7
8 *
13 *
After 4h 80
* 60 *
29 *
After 8h 80
Improvement (%) Skin Hydration Improvement (%)
Elevation (mm)
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