Saffron. Maybe you’ve encountered the spice in a flavorful recipe you’ve made before or know it from the characteristic golden hue it gives different foods. But were you aware that saffron, derived from the dried stamens from the Crocus sativus flower, can actually be beneficial as a topical on your skin — and in more ways than one at that? “As a skincare ingredient, its benefits are its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties,” says Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in NYC. “Saffron is rich in carotenoids that may play a part in damage repair, helping the skin recover from daily oxidative stress. Saffron may also be able to increase cell turnover and help wounds heal faster.”

Saffron has benefits for your hair, skin, and acne.

According to Shivangi Tripathi, owner of Mata Ayurveda, a holistic haircare and beauty brand, saffron’s been used in Ayurveda practices since ancient times for skincare as well as a number of other things, from mental health to appetite stimulation and sleep promotion. In regards to skincare though, Tripathi echoes some of the same sentiments as Dr.King and is even developing her own eye ghee with saffron set to launch later this year. “In skincare, saffron is used to counteract signs of aging by increasing circulation, making skin softer, and improving redness or dark spots on your face caused by hormone changes during menopause, pregnancy, or adolescence,” Tripathi says. “Saffron also helps stop oil production in acne prone skin because it dilates blood vessels that carry sebum (oil) out of the pores.”

Use leave-on products with saffron to get the most benefits.

To reap all of saffron’s rejuvenating properties, Dr. King suggests searching for it in leave-on products like serums and creams. Saffron oils and masks can be effective as well. Dr. King also notes that saffron’s generally an ingredient that’s compatible with most people’s skin. Allergies or sensitivities are possible though, so start slow with any new saffron products to make sure you don’t encounter any serious adverse reactions. It’s also not recommended for use by pregnant women because it can be tied to uterine contractions, which can be linked to miscarriage.

Though a classic ingredient in many ways and used for centuries, saffron’s been popping up in a crop of beauty products again as of late. If you’d like to give this golden ingredient a try, consider integrating any of these buys into your daily skin routine. Keep in mind though that saffron is rare and its extraction can be involved, so products that contain this wonder ingredient can be on the pricier side.