Evidence supporting the use of: Gac
For the health condition: Skin Care (general)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Gac (Momordica cochinchinensis), a fruit native to Southeast Asia, has a long history of traditional use in skin care, primarily in Vietnam and neighboring countries. Traditionally, Gac is consumed for its perceived health benefits, with its bright red aril being particularly valued for its richness in carotenoids—especially beta-carotene and lycopene—which are known antioxidants. In folklore, Gac oil has been applied topically or consumed to promote healthy, glowing skin and to address general skin concerns, likely due to its reputation for supporting overall vitality and protection from oxidative damage.
While traditional use is well-documented, scientific validation remains limited. A handful of laboratory and animal studies suggest that the carotenoids and vitamin E present in Gac have antioxidant properties that could theoretically benefit skin health by reducing oxidative stress and supporting skin barrier function. However, there is a lack of robust clinical trials in humans specifically evaluating Gac’s efficacy in treating or supporting general skin care. Most evidence is extrapolated from the known benefits of carotenoids and antioxidants in skin health rather than direct studies on Gac itself. Thus, while traditional use is notable and biologically plausible mechanisms exist, high-quality scientific evidence supporting Gac for skin care is currently modest.
Other ingredients used for Skin Care (general)
3,3'-dihydroxy-B-carotene-4,4'-dioneAbalone
Algal protein
Allantoin
Almond fruit
Aloe vera
Alpha hydroxy acids
alpha-terpineol
amaranth
Anserina
anthocyanidins
anthocyanins
apple
apricot
arbutin
argan nut oil
Asam gelugor
Ascophyllum nodosum
astaxanthin
avocado
azelaic acid
beet
behenic acid
beta-carotene
beta-zeacarotene
Biopeptide
birch
bird\'s nest
bisabolene
black currant
Black spruce
borage
bottle gourd
Brassica
butternut
California chia
camphor oil
candelilla wax
Carnosine
castile soap
catalase
cereal grass
chervil
chickweed
citral
cocoa butter
colostrum
copaiba oil
cryptoxanthin
cucumber
currant
d-alpha tocopherol
David\'s milkberry
dog rose
dulse
dulse leaf
Dunaliella salina
egg
emu oil
flavans
Gac
geraniol
Glucosylceramide
glyceryl oleate
Glycolic acid
Glycosylceramides
goji berry
Haematococcus pluvialis
Heartsease
heartwood
Himalayan salt
Houttuynia
hyaluronic acid
Kachnar
keratin
L-cysteine
L-glutathione
L-histidine
Leptospermum scoparium
Lilium polyphyllum
limonene
linoleic acid (LA)
linseed oil
loquat
lovage
lychee
magnesium
mandarin
mango
manzanita
Mesua
mixed carotenoids
Mung bean
Nectarine
Night jessamine
Oak
oat
omega-3 fatty acids
orchid
oryza
palmitic acid
Panthenol
Pelvetia canaliculata
Phlebodium decumanum
Phytoene
Phytofluene
procyanidin
procyanidol
pumpkin
radish
red clover
rockweed
root tuber
rose
Sargassum
sarsaparilla
sea salt
sesame
Shark oil
silica
silicon
Silk protein
Snakeroot
spinach
Taraxacum
Triglycerides
Tropical jewel hisbiscus
Tyrosinase
Urolithin A
vegetable oil
Verbascoside
vitamin A
vitamin C
vitamin E
Watercress
Watermelon
Witch Hazel
Xanthophyll
Yuzu
Zinc
Other health conditions supported by Gac
Aging (prevention)Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Free Radical Damage
Inflammation
Skin Care (general)
Ulcers