Fucoxanthin: An emerging ingredient in cosmeceutical applications
Background: Fucoxanthin, a carotenoid derived from brown seaweeds, has gained attention as a promising ingredient in skincare due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and photoprotective properties. Objective: This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the cosmeceutical po...
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| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
KeAi Communications Co., Ltd.
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Journal of Dermatologic Science and Cosmetic Technology |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2950306X25000184 |
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| Summary: | Background: Fucoxanthin, a carotenoid derived from brown seaweeds, has gained attention as a promising ingredient in skincare due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and photoprotective properties. Objective: This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the cosmeceutical potential of fucoxanthin, summarizing findings from in vitro and in vivo studies, as well as clinical trials. Methods: A systematic review (2000–2023) using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar identified studies on fucoxanthin's anti-aging and skin-related properties. Following a three-phase screening process (titles, abstracts, and full-text evaluation), 14 relevant studies were selected—9 in vitro and 5 in vivo/clinical—exploring fucoxanthin's effects in cosmetics and skincare. Key outcomes, including effects on oxidative stress, collagen synthesis, melanin production, and skin health, were analyzed. Results: The results from nine in vitro studies showed that fucoxanthin effectively reduces oxidative stress, enhances procollagen synthesis, inhibits matrix metalloproteinases, and suppresses melanin synthesis in various skin cell lines, indicating its potential in preventing skin aging, reducing pigmentation, and improving skin structure and elasticity. In vivo studies, including experiments on ultraviolet B (UVB)-irradiated guinea pigs and hairless mice, demonstrated that fucoxanthin could protect against ultraviolet (UV)-induced skin damage, prevent wrinkle formation, and reduce inflammation. Furthermore, a clinical study involving Korean women confirmed significant improvements in skin moisture, elasticity, and reduction of wrinkles after eight weeks of applying a fucoxanthin-based cream. This review underscores the increasing evidence of fucoxanthin's efficacy in the skin and highlights its cosmetic potential as a main ingredient of innovative, natural, and sustainable cosmeceutical formulations targeting the skin'soverall health and preventing aging. Conclusions: Fucoxanthin demonstrates considerable potential as a naturaland sustainable component in cosmeceutical formulations for skin beauty and anti-aging. Stability issues, together with bioavailability problems and sourcing, remain an ongoing obstacle to further development. Further research on clinical trials alongside new formulation strategies will help address restrictions that block fucoxanthin from successful cosmetics applications. |
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| ISSN: | 2950-306X |