Ever since someone compared a sculptural beef tomato to Jonathan Anderson’s Loewe aesthetic, the ruby red fruit has suddenly become synonymous with high fashion. But were you aware of its growing significance in the beauty industry?
Tomato Girl Summer has been touted as the next big fashion and lifestyle trend of the season, inspired by Mediterranean coastal locations and a – you guessed it – a red palette. From clothing to exaggerated blush and tomato-adorned nail art, the Tomato Girl aesthetic has taken TikTok by storm.
With our ever-increasing beauty and skincare literacy, it seems brands are competing to find the next cult active ingredient for fans to obsess over. Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide are no longer limited to the upper department store beauty shelves but can be scooped up in your local Boots. AHAs and BHAs? So last year.
You heard it here first: the next big ingredient in the beauty industry is set to be the humble tomato. Specifically, green tomato extracts.
“Green tomato is a plant-based, vegan-friendly ingredient that’s gaining traction in K-Beauty thanks to its antioxidant-rich profile and gentle pore-refining benefits,” Alethea Demetriou, Lead Product Specialist at K-Beauty haven PURESEOUL tells me. “It offers a milder alternative to traditional actives often used for pore care, like high-percentage AHAs, BHAs, or physical scrubs or masks, that can sometimes cause dryness or irritation with frequent use.”
“Naturally rich in vitamins A and C, green tomato helps to brighten dull areas, improve the appearance of pores, and support a smoother skin texture. Sungboon Editor combines it with different ingredients across the line to target specific concerns, niacinamide and collagen in the Pore Lifting Ampoule+ to help firm and brighten, PHA and cica (centella) in the Peeling Jumbo Pads for gentle exfoliation, and a light blend of hydrators in the Ultra Whipping Foam to decongest pores without leaving the skin dry or tight,” Demetriou continues.
Fret not, my fellow sensitive skin tribe: tomato extract is suitable for all skin types. Demetriou explains “reen tomato extract is typically used in low-irritation formulas and is often paired with barrier-supporting ingredients like hyaluronic acid, panthenol, and centella.”
If you’re ripe with curiosity about this new powerhouse skincare star, I’ve curated an edit of the best tomato-powered beauty products to buy on the market.
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The Glowcery Tomato Tonic Fragrance-Free Superfood Facial Serum
A superfood salad for your face, the Glowcery’s potent serum has been formulated to rejuvenate and nourish.
It’s powered by a brilliant combination of cold-pressed tomato, pumpkin, flaxseed oils, red raspberry, watermelon and pomegranate. The serum may sound delicious, but please - don’t even think about eating it.
Apply before your moisturiser for an instantly brightening and nourishing effect.
Buy now £33.00, Cosmetify
Nature Republic Real Nature Mask Sheet
Nature Republic is home to an array of plant-powered sheet masks, but the one find its way into my online basket is – of course – the tomato option.
Suitable for all skin types, the instantly soothing mask helps with sun damage, uneven skin tone, dryness and general irritation.
Leave on for 10-20 minutes before massaging the excess into your skin.
Buy now £1.29, StyleVana
Sungboon Editor Green Tomato Pore Lifting Ampoule+ (30ml)
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Cult-favourite K-Beauty brand Sungboon Editor is paving the way for tomato extract in skincare to become the norm. The green tomato range is prized for its ability to lift and tighten enlarged pores while delivering an overall brightening effect. Tomato glow loading.
It’s also infused with Anti-Sebum P (an sebum-reducing complex of evening primrose, Pueraria, pine needle and elm root bark) and hydrolysed collagen (AKA peptides, which are smaller and easier for the skin to absorb) for excellent skin elasticity.
Not enough ingredients for you? The ampoule additionally contains niacinamide to reduce the appearance of blackheads, five types of hyaluronic acid, trehalose and panthenol for unbeatable moisture. Quickly becoming a cult buy.
Buy now £14.90, PURESOEUL
Skinfood Sous Vide Mask Sheet (Tomato)
Designed to deliver next-level hydration, this sheet mask by Skinfood promises to deliver the ultimate dewy complexion. Key ingredients include antioxidant-rich tomato extract, hyaluronic acid for plumping and niacinamide for skin-smoothing and enhancing radiance.
Buy now £4.99, Unineed
FULLY Green Tomato Cream
A centella and green tomato-infused K-Beauty essential, FULLY’s Green Tomato Green has rave reviews for a reason.
It soothes and revitalises the skin, leaving a bouncy yet firm complexion. It’s entirely vegan, and powered by 65 per cent green tomato extract, which is rich in tomatidine and vitamin C to reduce the appearance of pores. It also contains Anti-Sebum P and Botanical Tanins to strengthen the skin barrier with weightless ease.
Buy now £16.22, Yes Style
Malin + Goetz Tomato Home Spray
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Though not skincare, we’d be remiss not to include the tomato lifestyle product of the summer: Malin + Goetz’ delectable Tomato Home Spray.
With a refreshing basil top note, addictive tomato middle note and woody base, it’ll make your home smell like the sun-ripened tomato vineyards of the Mediterranean. It’s powerful too; formulated to eliminate 98 per cent of unwanted smells and replace them with lasting freshness for up to two hours.
Buy now £48.00, Malin + Goetz
