Abstract

Background: Recent research highlights the strong link between nutrition and skin health. Nutricosmetics, which are ingestible actives that exert an effect on the skin´s appearance, have emerged as a complement to topical cosmetics, targeting systemic drivers of skin aging (e.g., oxidative stress, inflammation, glycation). Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a standardized four-botanical nutricosmetic ingredient, on facial skin, primarily the forehead, with a special focus on wrinkles. Materials and methods: A 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was carried out in women (age 30–66 years) with visible signs of skin aging. Participants were randomized to receive the nutricosmetic ingredient Eternalyoung® (225 mg/day) or placebo capsules. Assessments were performed at baseline and at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Measurements include: forehead wrinkle volume and count (AEVA-HE 3D), gloss (Glossymeter), moisturization (Corneometer), melanin index (Mexameter) and transepidermal water loss (TEWL, Tewameter). Results: Participants consuming the nutricosmetic exhibited sustained improvements in several endpoints. Forehead wrinkle volume decreased from baseline and reached −23.3% at week 12, compared to +13.6% observed in the placebo group. Also, wrinkle count was reduced by −24% at week 12. A significant and progressive increase in forehead skin gloss was observed from week 4 (+14.6%, p = 0.008) to week 12 (+20.2%, p = 0.008), while the placebo group remained unchanged. Among participants with a more affected optical/ structural baseline profile the daily intake of the botanical blend produced a significantly larger increase in gloss than placebo at week 12 (p = 0.021). Melanin levels significantly decreased in the experimental group with a 13.9% decrease at week 12, compared to −7.3% in the placebo group. Significant between-group differences were observed at weeks 2, 8, and 12. Overall TEWL and hydration showed no between-group differences, but participants with impaired baseline values (TEWL >15 and hydration <40 a.u.) improved significantly in the experimental group. The product was well tolerated, with no adverse events. Conclusion: The study supports previous clinical evidence of a botanical-based nutricosmetic ingredient, demonstrating consistent and measurable benefits on wrinkles, dullness, and hyperpigmentation, with a favorable safety profile.

Keywords

antiaging, clinical trial, nutricosmetic, forehead wrinkles, gloss, pigmentation