Cherries, which are small, round stone fruits that grow on trees, are known for their sweet or tart taste. Available in several colors, such as red, yellow, and black, cherries are not only a flavorful snack, but they offer many benefits when consumed. They are linked to improved heart health, reduced inflammation, better sleep, and enhanced exercise recovery. When added into skincare, they help improve skin elasticity, reduce fine lines, boost collagen production, brighten the complexion, and more. “There are two main factors driving the popularity of cherry-based products in skincare and wellness right now,” says Kristen Sgarlato, head of product development and innovation at Naturopathica. “First, there’s the broader trend of food-inspired cosmetics, which has been gaining a lot of traction recently, and brands leaning into that playful, sensory-driven marketing. Second, cherry itself brings something special to the table. It has a nostalgic appeal, but it’s also a powerhouse ingredient, packed with rich nutrients and antioxidants that support skin health.”
Cheer for Cherry
We asked skincare professionals about ways to incorporate cherry into the spa experience, and here’s what we found out:
Q: What are some top uses of cherry-based products and treatments in a spa setting?
A: “In skincare products, such as cleansers, toners, masks, moisturizers, or body lotions, cherry—especially sour cherry—has conditioning, refreshing, pore-tightening, and antioxidant effects. Due to the vitamin, natural acid, and anthocyanin content of the fruit, it is recommended for large-pored, dehydrated, and prematurely aging skin, but its flavonoids and vitamins also benefit normal skin. Cherry is a beneficial ingredient for treatments of skin types that are starting to show signs of aging to help protect their youthfulness.”—Szilvia Hickman, owner and president, Szep Elet, the exclusive distributor of Ilike Organic Skin Care
Q: What are some of the benefits of cherry-based products on the skin?
A: “Cherries are known as superfoods for good reason. Packed with vitamin C, vitamin A, and anthocyanins, cherry-based products can help boost collagen production, which improves skin elasticity and reduces fine lines. Their antioxidant properties also help protect against environmental stressors that lead to premature signs of aging. And thanks to their brightening properties, cherries can help reduce the appearance of dark spots, leading to a more even-toned complexion.”—Natalie Pergar, lead skin care trainer, Eminence Organic Skin Care
Q: What are some interesting ways to promote and market spa treatments containing cherry?
A: “Because cherry-infused spa treatments offer a vibrant, sensory-rich experience, there are plenty of smart and engaging ways to market them. Spas might consider partnering with local orchards or farmers’ markets to host a farm-to-facial event where clients enjoy cherry-themed services accompanied by seasonal tastings. Another promotional idea is creating blog or social media content highlighting cherry-based treatments and benefits. Spas can also offer a promotion with aromatic touches and cherry-infused refreshments to gain interest in cherry services.”—Pergar
Cherry Comfort
Discover some of the cherry-based treatments available at spas today.
The Spa at Terranea at Terranea Resort (Rancho Palos Verdes, CA) offers the Luminous Lip Treatment ($48) enhancement, which includes buffing away roughness and dry skin with sweet cherry, then deeply hydrating and enhancing radiance with aloe vera, honey, and oil.
At The Spa at The Inns of Aurora Resort & Spa (NY), guests can opt for the Vitamin C Radiance Facial ($250, 50 minutes; $340, 80 minutes), which helps reverse signs of aging caused by the sun and free radicals. This treatment features a combination of L-ascorbic acid and three algae, as well as a sweet cherry brightening enzyme peel to leave skin brighter while enhancing texture and tone.
The Spa at Bernardus at Bernardus Lodge & Spa (Carmel Valley, CA) offers a Cherry & Pineapple Enzyme Facial ($250, 50 minutes; $350, 80 minutes), which includes a nourishing pineapple and cherry enzyme treatment that combines superfoods, a hydrating polyglutamic acid, and natural retinol alternatives for a more radiant and brighter complexion.