GGA: The skincare ingredient everyone needs (but no one has heard of)
Written by Lottie Winter
22 May 2024
There are some skincare ingredients that have almost become household names. We all know the anti-ageing benefits of Retinol, and the hydrating wonders of Hyaluronic Acid (and if you don’t, check out our blogs on both powerhouse ingredients to find out more). But have you ever heard of Geranylgeranone? Probably not.
Perhaps one of the least well known skincare ingredients, Geranylgeranone is the secret weapon that can make your other actives work harder, while offering a whole host of benefits in its own right. Here, we break down everything you need to know as well as where to find it...
Perhaps one of the least well known skincare ingredients, Geranylgeranone is the secret weapon that can make your other actives work harder.
What is Geranylgeranone (GGA)?
Geranylgeranone (or GGA) is a naturally occurring terpenoid, a type of organic compound found in some plants and essential oils, including rose, citronella, and lemongrass.
What Are The Benefits of GGA?
GGA has some impressive natural properties that make it beneficial for skin in a multitude of ways:
Antimicrobial Activity: GGA is naturally antimicrobial, and can help to fight off bacteria that can lead to skin infections and contribute to acne.
Antioxidant Properties: As an antioxidant, GGA helps to neutralise free radicals and protect the skin from oxidative stress from environmental aggressors.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: Its anti-inflammatory properties can help to soothe irritated skin, reduce redness, and alleviate conditions like dermatitis.
GGA and Cellular Senescence
Cellular senescence is a state where the cells in the body stop dividing and essentially go into retirement either due to natural ageing, DNA damage or exposure to free radicals and toxins. In skin cells, senescence can contribute to signs of ageing like wrinkles, sagging, loss of volume and inflammation.
Research has shown that GGA reduces the markers of cellular senescence by inhibiting DNA damage, therefore helping to slow down the ageing process. It can also help to reduce inflammation caused by senescent cells as well as support collagen production, mitigating some of the visible effects of ageing on the skin.
GGA reduces the markers of cellular senescence by inhibiting DNA damage, therefore helping to slow down the ageing process.
How Does GGA Interact with Other Skincare Ingredients?
It’s always important to consider how your skincare ingredients work together. Some ingredients can clash, causing irritation, while some can complement each other and maximise the skin benefits.
When used with other antioxidants like Vitamin C or Vitamin E, GGA can boost the overall antioxidant benefits of your skincare to provide enhanced protection against oxidative stress and environmental damage, and leading to a reduction in signs of ageing as a result. It can also help to stabilise volatile compounds like Retinoids and other active ingredients like skincare acids, which as well as extending their shelf life, will reduce the potential for irritation due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Where Can You Find GGA?
The best products containing GGA will have an array of other complimentary ingredients, including other antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients like Niacinamide, as well as resurfacing ingredients like Retinol or skincare acids.
Our Youthbomb Breakthrough Repair Cream boasts 3% GGA, combined with Nourpeptides for radiance and visible wrinkle reduction, 5% Niacinamide for barrier-strengthening and helps fade dark spots, 1% Bakuchiol (a natural alternative to Retinol which can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines), and Polyglutamic Acid, to help maintain healthy skin barrier function. In other words, it’s a total powerhouse.
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