About Polyphenols

Polyphenols are a large family of plant compounds

Polyphenols are a large family of plant compounds (secondary metabolites), which
are found in fruits, berries, vegetables, coffee, tea, cocoa, and spices, among other sources. In plants, they function partly as protection against UV light, pests, and stress. In humans, they are of interest because they can affect biology at several levels, from the gut microbiome and metabolites to signaling pathways, inflammation, and vascular function.

The list below is created for those who want to learn more about polyphenols. It is brief, but also broad, and covers the most discussed health areas: cardiovascular and metabolic health (blood sugar and lipids), brain and cognition, the gut microbiome, and the overall picture from population studies.

Please note: when reading about the “effects” of polyphenols, it is worth distinguishing between three types of evidence. Observational studies can show strong associations between high polyphenol intake and better health outcomes, but they can be influenced by lifestyle and dietary patterns. Clinical trials (RCTs) are stronger for demonstrating cause and effect, but the effects can be modest and depend on dose, duration, and who participates. Meta-analyses combine many studies and provide the best overview, but they can still be heterogeneous because the studies are not identical. For example, larger meta-analyses suggest that flavan-3-ol-rich interventions may lower blood pressure and improve vascular function, especially in people with higher baseline blood pressure.

Reading about polyphenols

Key articles

Manach C, Scalbert A, Morand C, Remesy C, Jimenez L. Polyphenols: food sources and bioavailability. Am J Clin Nutr. 2004;79(5):727-747. doi:10.1093/ajcn/79.5.727

The classic paper for understanding where polyphenols come from in the diet, and why bioavailability and metabolism are central to their effects in humans.

Scalbert A, Johnson IT, Saltmarsh M. Polyphenols: antioxidants and beyond. Am J Clin Nutr. 2005;81(1 Suppl):215S-217S. doi:10.1093/ajcn/81.1.215S

A brief but important point: polyphenols do not act only as “antioxidants” in a test tube. In the body, their mechanisms often involve signaling and gene regulation.

Vauzour D, Rodriguez-Mateos A, Corona G, Oruna-Concha MJ, Spencer JPE. Polyphenols and Human Health: Prevention of Disease and Mechanisms of Action. Nutrients. 2010;2(11):1106-1131. doi:10.3390/nu2111106

A broad, readable overview of the evidence and mechanisms across cardiovascular health, neurobiology, metabolism, and inflammation.

Williamson G, Clifford MN. Bioavailability of Food Polyphenols. Annu Rev Food Sci Technol. 2025;16:199-218. doi:10.1146/annurev-food-061423-111453

An updated and authoritative review of what we know, and do not know, about bioavailability, metabolites, and interindividual differences.

Neveu V, Perez-Jimenez J, Vos F, m.fl. Phenol-Explorer: an online comprehensive database on polyphenol contents in foods. Database (Oxford). 2010;2010:bap024. doi:10.1093/database/bap024

A practical tool: the database makes it possible to look up the polyphenol content of foods and beverages, making hypotheses more concrete. Try looking up the foods you eat daily and see which classes of polyphenols you actually get.

Health effects

Xie F, Yang W, Xing M, Zhang H, Ai L. Natural polyphenols-gut microbiota interactions and effects on glycolipid metabolism via polyphenols-gut-brain axis: A state-of-the-art review. Trends Food Sci Technol. 2023;141:104171. doi:10.1016/j.tifs.2023.104171

A good introduction to why many polyphenols have low absorption in the small intestine, yet can still affect health through microbiome-derived metabolites and the gut barrier.

Lagou V, Greyling A, Ferruzzi MG, m.fl. Impact of flavan-3-ols on blood pressure and endothelial function in diverse populations: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Eur J Prev Cardiol. 2025;32(14):1322-1334. doi:10.1093/eurjpc/zwaf173

One of the most robust clinical findings in the polyphenol field. Flavan-3-ols, for example in cocoa, tea, apples, and grapes, are associated with improved vascular function and lower blood pressure in randomized controlled trials.

Wan S, Luo J, Zhu Y, An P, Luo Y, Xing Q. The Effect of Antioxidant Polyphenol Supplementation on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients. 2024;16(23):4206. doi:10.3390/nu16234206

A broad meta-analysis of polyphenol supplementation and markers of cardiovascular and metabolic risk. Useful for seeing both the potential and the heterogeneity.

Raimundo AF, Felix F, Andrade R, Garcia-Conesa MT, Gonzalez-Sarrias A, Gil-Saura E, m.fl. (Poly)phenols in Human Health: Structure, Bioavailability, and Evidence of Efficacy in Glucose Homeostasis. Adv Nutr. 2020;11(2):303-329. doi:10.1093/advances/nmz074

Links chemical structures and metabolites with human evidence on blood sugar regulation, including RCT meta-analyses and plausible mechanisms.

Godos J, m.fl. Dietary (Poly)phenols and Cognitive Decline: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2024;68(1):e2300472. doi:10.1002/mnfr.202300472

A good overview of observational studies: higher intake, especially of flavonoids, is often associated with better cognitive function and a lower risk of cognitive decline.

Baker LD, et al. Effects of Cocoa Extract and Multivitamin Supplementation on Cognitive Function: A Randomized Clinical Trial (COSMOS-Mind). Alzheimers Dement. 2023. doi:10.1002/alz.12767

A key randomized study testing a polyphenol-rich intervention, cocoa extract, within a large and well-controlled framework. It shows both the strengths and limitations of clinical endpoints.

Zupo R, Castellana F, Lisco G, m.fl. Dietary Intake of Polyphenols and All-Cause Mortality: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis. Metabolites. 2024;14(8):404. doi:10.3390/metabo14080404

The population perspective: how higher overall polyphenol intake in cohort studies relates to all-cause mortality.

So, what makes our phytoactive polyphenol extract unique?

Pure and Natural: Our extract captures the essence of nature, free from artificial additives and harmful chemicals. We believe in the power of nature to nourish your skin.
Clinically Tested: The extract has been clinically tested on different skin types and is proven to relieve itching and pain, in combination with our cream formulation. This underlines its ability to improve skin health.
Originated from Sustainable and Unique Extraction Process: Sustainability is at the heart of our extract. Our unique patented extraction process ensures minimal environmental impact.
Rich in potent polyphenols: The extract is a valuable complex of potent phytochemicals. These natural compounds, including polyphenols and phenolic acids, enrich our products, enhance the effectiveness of skincare, and give your skin the care it deserves.

With Haloderma, you’re not just choosing skincare; you’re embracing a holistic approach to health that respects the environment and nurtures your skin. Our phytoactive extract is a testament to our dedication – a promise to deliver skincare that’s as pure, effective and sustainable as it is transformative. Join us on this journey towards radiant, environmentally conscious skincare.

About Haloderma

Haloderma is a spin-off from a university research project. We have discovered the potential to create powerful cosmeceutical products by designing a potent extract from halophyte plants. As a DeepTech company, we can deliver our dermatological innovations directly from the lab to our consumers.

Our mission is to offer mindful and methodical botanical skincare solutions to the public by sustainably sourcing and extracting high-quality biomass. We apply new biorefining knowledge in the manufacturing of our products.

All cosmeceutical products contain our potent plant extract. The blend of bioactive phenolic compounds naturally found in halophytes has valuable properties for healthy skin. We extract these in a clean and optimized extraction process to harvest the optimal composition of bioactive substances.

A DeepTech company

Accuracy, quality and sustainability are common practices in our laboratory and production. As scientists first and foremost, we have to work with a certain discipline and creativity that we carry with us through the design of our products. We are constantly studying and researching coastal plants and their valuable phytochemicals. In today’s climate, we accept the responsibility to continue exploring effective botanical cosmetics with low environmental impact.

While most cosmetic companies optimize their cosmetic formulas to reduce the amount of active ingredients and increase the bottom line, we optimize our extraction process to increase the bioactivity of our formulas and increase the effects on your skin. Our goal is to improve our consumers’ skincare while keeping environmental costs low. We want to show and exemplify how sustainability and efficiency can go hand in hand.

Read the stories from our users and see what they have to say about Haloderma products here.

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About Polyphenols

Polyphenols are a large family of plant compounds

Reading about polyphenols

Key articles

Health effects

So, what makes our phytoactive polyphenol extract unique?

About Haloderma

A DeepTech company

What do our customers say about Haloderma

Hand Eczema - 1 month

Lene, Esbjerg

Psoriasis on Neck - 2 weeks

Elisabeth, Vejen

Itch and wound relief

Ulla, Esbjerg

Extreme dryness and wrinkles - 14 days to 1 month

Viola, Esbjerg

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