Akebia Quinata (Chocolate Vine) Stem Extract Beste Antioxidant Anti-aging Kalmerend Akebia Quinata (Chocolate Vine) Stem Extract at a glance Stem from a vining plant whose flowers smell like chocolate. Good source of soothing, redness-reducing antioxidants. Shown to help protect skin from oxidative damage. Helps maintain a firm look and feel. Akebia Quinata (Chocolate Vine) Stem Extract description _Akebia quinata_ (chocolate vine) stem extract comes from a large woody wine whose flowers smell like chocolate. Phytochemicals in this east Asian plant include potent antioxidants, primarily isochlorogenic acid C, whose documented soothing properties are even suitable for skin prone to visible redness from rosacea. Other compounds found in the stem of this plant are various triterpene glycosides which research has shown to moisturize skin plus minimize visible effects of free radical damage. These glycosides are also found in licorice, _Centella asiatica_, ginseng, and shea butter, among other plants. Used topically, it helps to visibly reduce wrinkles by helping to reduce collagen-degrading enzymes known as matrix metalloproteinases. Offsetting this visible damage helps skin maintain a firm look and feel. Usage levels of _Akebia quinata_ (chocolate vine) stem extract are typically 0.5–2% where it’s part of a water-based blend. The actual content of this specific extract is much lower, meaning it doesn’t take much for skin to benefit.