As scientific research accelerates, a wave of ingestible products is reshaping the landscape of personal care. Recent clinical studies and expert insights are shedding light on how these supplements are delivering measurable benefits, from wrinkle reduction and improved skin elasticity to enhanced hair growth and acne relief.
Below a look at some of the latest and evolving beauty-from-within science investigating the promise of botanical blends, collagen precursors, probiotics and amino acids for a range of outcomes across gender, age and geography.
Llallemand’s resveratrol supplements may improve signs of skin aging
A study on resveratrol, a compound found in red wine, shows that oral and topical applications can improve skin health in women over the age of 40 by reducing wrinkles and increasing sebum levels.
The double-blind clinical trial involving 132 participants evaluated the effects of Lallemand’s Veri-te resveratrol, revealing that an oral-topical combination led to significant wrinkle reduction compared to placebo and highlighting resveratrol’s potential as an effective anti-aging treatment.
Marcia da Silva Pinto, PharmD, PhD, category manager for Lallemand Bio-Ingredients, noted that resveratrol has been viewed primarily as an antioxidant and that studies on its bioavailability raised questions about its efficacy.
“In more recent years, we have learned that resveratrol has benefits beyond those of an antioxidant, and it acts through different mechanisms which are complementary to each other (such as activation of sirtuins, AMPK and improving blood flow),” she said “The newest research is revealing that when it comes to bioavailability, the metabolites produced by our gut microbiota, after breaking down polyphenols and resveratrol, may be the ‘missing link’ that helps explain the positive results seen in clinical studies, including our latest work on skin health.”
Bonolive shows potential for postmenopausal skin
Solabia Nutrition’s Bonolive olive leaf extract demonstrated potential benefits for skin health in postmenopausal women, particularly in maintaining elastin levels and reducing markers of cellular aging.
While systemic markers showed no significant changes, trends indicated possible pathways for extracellular matrix preservation. The subgroup analysis revealed improvements in skin microstructure, suggesting Bonolive’s localized dermal effects.
“The results are encouraging: Bonolive intake was associated with preserved elastin levels compared to placebo, where elastin degradation was observed, as well as a reduction in pentosidine, a key marker of cellular aging,” said Billie Icheva, marketing & communications manager at Solabia.
The ingredient is standardized to 40% oleuropein, which along with other phenolic compounds, have previously demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that counteract key processes in tissue aging, such as oxidative stress and protein glycation.
Lipedema study expands Pycnogenol’s women’s health potential
A clinical study published in The Cureus Journal of Medical Science found that Pycnogenol, a French maritime pine tree bark extract developed by Horphag Research, may significantly relieve the symptoms of lipedema.
The condition, which causes an abnormal and painful buildup of fat in the lower body, affects about 400 million women globally.
Conducted over 60 days with 100 participants, the study showed a 29% reduction in symptoms for those taking the branded extract, including improvements in sensitivity, bruising and body composition, without adverse effects.
Effects reportedly stem from the ingredient’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help strengthen blood vessel walls, improve microcirculation and support lymphatic flow.
Are SIRT1, SIRT3 and SIRT6 the skin’s anti-aging trinity?
Sirtuins, particularly SIRT1, SIRT3 and SIRT6, are crucial enzymes in regulating cellular functions related to DNA repair, metabolism and aging.
Speaking at the inaugural Nutra Healthspan Summit, Dr. Rishabh Kala, director of advanced technologies at Estée Lauder Companies, emphasized the importance of the holistic role of sirtuins in combating skin aging through transcription, mitochondrial activity and genomic maintenance.
SIRT2 is also emerging as significant for maintaining cell structure and strength, with research indicating its role in preserving youthful skin.
“Aging skin cells become more circular, younger skin is more elongated, and cells are more bouncy,” Dr. Kala said. “Older skin loses its strength and elasticity partly due to a decline in SIRT2.”
Astragalus-centella blend shows dual cosmetic, supplement potential
A study conducted by researchers at Kaohsiung Medical University and Chia Nan University in Taiwan found that a blend of Astragalus membranaceus and Centella asiatica saponins (ACS) improved skin health markers when used as both a topical cream and an oral supplement.
The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 150 adults showed that the combination of topical and oral ACS had the most significant effects on skin brightness, moisture, elasticity, collagen content and pigmentation.
“The results of this study suggest that ACS exerts its skin rejuvenating effects through multiple biological mechanisms,” the research wrote in the journal Cosmetics. “This highlights ACS as a versatile and efficacious agent capable of addressing both superficial and structural signs of skin aging.”
While the study supports ACS as a promising active for cosmeceuticals and nutricosmetics, it noted limitations such as small sample size and lack of age-specific outcomes, suggesting the need for larger and more diverse studies.
Collagen Activator supplement improves ski, reduces biological age
A study published in npj Aging found that six months of supplementation with a combination of amino acids, alpha ketoglutarate, astaxanthin and vitamin C from acerola cherry improved dermatological features and reduced biological age by 1.4 years.
The study used the Collagen Activator supplement from Switzerland-based longevity startup Avea Life AG. The product is built around Colgevity, a patented vegan collagen precursor developed in cooperation with ETH Zurich that is a combination of glycine, proline and hydroxyproline in a 3:1:1 ratio.
“It is remarkable that the physiological and molecular effects of combining these three amino acids are conserved across C. elegans, mice, human fibroblasts and human participants,” wrote scientists from ETH Zürich, Avea Life, University Hospital Zurich, TruMe Inc. and Hautwerk AG. “We demonstrated that upon [3 Gly:1 Pro:1 Hyp] supplementation, collagen and ECM [extracellular matrix] homeostasis were elicited during the old age of C. elegans, in human cell culture and visible in dermatological improvements in human skin.”
They also noted that the combination increased the healthspan and lifespan of C. elegans, counteracted age-related strength loss and obesity in old mice and reduced biological age in humans, suggesting “an ancient underlying mechanism for detecting the ratio of these three amino acids.”
Monteloeder botanical blend delivers measurable skin benefits
A study on Monteloeder’s Eternalyoung botanical blend, consisting of pomegranate, sweet orange, desert ginseng and gotu kola, showed significant improvements in skin aging markers among 71 women between the ages of 33 and 66.
Conducted in Spain, the 12-week trial revealed a 23% reduction in forehead wrinkles and improvements in skin radiance, tone and pigmentation, with over 80% of the treatment group experiencing positive changes. The study highlighted Eternalyoung’s efficacy in enhancing skin hydration, elasticity and reducing melanin index, although limitations included sample size and duration.
“Eternalyoung supports skin vitality by acting on cellular mechanisms associated with visible aging,” said Nuria Caturla, PhD, chief R&D officer at Monteloeder. “This composition brings together four botanicals that work in unison to provide multipath way holistic skin benefits. It exerts a positive impact on such factors as oxidative stress, skin hydration, elasticity, collagen preservation and telomere protection. These effects may contribute to a smoother, brighter and more even-toned appearance. It also restores skin barrier balance and moisture in dry or stressed skin.”
ADM researchers report postmenopausal skin improvements with Novasoy
ADM’s study, published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition, found that Novasoy soy isoflavone supplementation increased S-equol levels, leading to skin benefits in postmenopausal women, particularly those who are S-equol producers.
While group-level improvements were modest, significant differences in urinary soy metabolites were observed, with higher S-equol levels correlating with improved skin parameters like under-eye wrinkles. The findings suggest that isoflavone supplements may enhance skin health, especially in individuals capable of producing S-equol.
“Response appeared to be greater among S-equol producers, consistent with the biology of the gut–skin axis and S-equol’s estrogen-like activity,” said Dr. Richard Day, vice president of medical affairs and clinical development at ADM.
“For the skincare and healthy aging market, these findings support a personalized, microbiome-aware view of beauty-from-within. Isoflavone supplementation may particularly benefit skin appearance and resilience in individuals capable of producing S-equol.”
Ritual’s HyaCera may reduce wrinkles in 12 weeks
A study published by Ritual tested its hyaluronic acid and wheat oil extract supplement, reporting notable benefits in participants with diverse skin types.
Published in the journal Dermatology and Therapy, the study evaluated skin changes in 63 adults between the ages of 26 and 64, measured at multiple points using a combination of imaging technology, dermatologist evaluations and participant feedback.
“It was hypothesized that these ingredients would act synergistically, with HA working in deeper layers to enhance elasticity and fullness and wheat oil extract supporting surface barrier function,” said Adeline Grier-Welch, senior scientist at Ritual and lead researcher on the study.
Findings indicated significant improvements in skin hydration, elasticity and wrinkle reduction over the study period.
Collagen peptide supplement may fight wrinkles in healthy adults
A South Korean study involving 70 adults between the ages of 20 and 59 tested the effects of daily low-molecular-weight collagen peptides on skin aging.
Over eight weeks, participants taking 1,650 mg of NS Collagen Peptide showed significant improvements in wrinkles, skin elasticity, hydration and pore size, with benefits persisting two weeks post-supplementation.
“These findings support the potential of collagen peptide NS as a safe and effective functional food ingredient with comprehensive skin health benefits, particularly in addressing cosmetically relevant concerns such as wrinkle depth and pore visibility,” wrote the researchers from the Korea Institute of Educational Facility Safety and Nongshim Co., Ltd.
The study highlighted potential skin health benefits but noted the lack of biomarker assessments and potential placebo effects.
Study backs efficacy of Nutrafol Skin in adult women with acne
Findings published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology demonstrated the efficacy of Nutrafol Skin, for addressing mild-to-moderate acne in adult women.
Launched in 2024, the supplement uses a blend of botanicals and probiotics, including holy basil, maca, berberine, curcumin, Sicilian orange, postbiotic Lactobacillus plantarum, prebiotic Tribytrin, ceramides, lycopene and olive extract, to target acne’s root causes like stress, hormones and microbiome imbalances to reduce breakouts, redness and improve skin texture and hydration.
The 12-week study, involving 102 participants, reported benefits in skin tone, texture and appearance, with minimal adverse effects.
“We showed in our clinical studies that Nutrafol Skin can serve on its own or as an adjunctive therapy alongside existing therapies by targeting the root causes of breakouts, including stress, hormones, the microbiome, immune function, metabolism and lifestyle,” said Dr. Isabelle Raymond, PhD, senior vice president of clinical and medical affairs at Nutrafol and co-author of the study.
Study explores French maritime pine bark for cellulite reduction
Pycnogenol, the French maritime pine bark extract, significantly reduced cellulite severity in 60 Han Chinese women between the ages of 25 to 45.
The study, funded by Horphag Research and published in the journal Phytomedicine Plus, reported that a daily dose of 150 mg of Pycnogeoal led to a 12.2% improvement in cellulite scores after two months and 13.6% after three months. Participants in the intervention group also experienced decreases in upper thigh circumference and skin roughness.
“Taken together, this is the first randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study successfully comparing the efficacy of a nutritional supplement containing FMPBE with anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and microcirculation-improving capacities to a placebo employing a validated clinical cellulite score,” the researchers wrote.
Fish collagen, L-cystine supplementation may support skin health in both mature and younger women
A combination of fish collagen peptides and L-cystine showed improvements on a range of skin outcomes in both mature and young populations.
The study, published in the journal Cosmetics and funded by Weishardt International and BCF Life Sciences, assessed the effects of the Naticol-CySkin supplement in 198 Asian women. It reported improved hydration, cutaneous thickness and reduced wrinkles in women between the ages of 55 and 65 and the potential to improve skin texture, reduce redness and increase UV protection in women between the ages of 18 and 30.
While the supplement was well tolerated, the researchers acknowledge that further studies are needed to confirm these findings due to some limitations in statistical significance.
NMN for hair? Mitsubishi Corporation Life Sciences on ‘first of its kind’ findings
A 12-week study funded by Mitsubishi Corporation Life Sciences investigated the effects of nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) supplementation on hair health in 15 healthy Japanese women between the ages of 40 and 50.
Participants consumed 500 mg of NMN daily, resulting in significant improvements in anagen hair elongation density and hair diameter, although a decrease in total hair count was observed, possibly due to seasonal hair loss.
The researchers noted enhanced follicle maturation and nutrient supply to dermal papilla cells, suggesting potential benefits for existing terminal hairs. The study, published in the journal Cosmetics, also indicated improvements in fatigue, grey hair perception and energy metabolism related to hair health.
“These findings indicate that NAD+, through its ability to enhance the sirtuin pathway and mitochondrial function, plays an important role in hair growth and the prevention of hair loss,” the researchers wrote. “Therefore, oral NMN supplementation may represent a promising strategy for maintaining healthy hair.”
Can supplements protect against UV-induced skin damage?
A review published in Frontiers in Medicine examined the emerging evidence supporting the ability of certain dietary supplements to offset photoaging by targeting pathways involved in UV-induced oxidative stress, inflammation and collagen degradation. Others, while promising, may require more robust clinical research.
According to the review, polyphenols and collagen-based dietary supplements demonstrated an improvement in R2, while only flavanols significantly enhanced MED.
“Currently, certain orally administered dietary supplements, such as collagen, flavanols and other polyphenols, have demonstrated efficacy in addressing skin photoaging,” wrote researchers from Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Baoji Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital.. “However, the existing evidence on the efficacy of dietary supplements like carotenoids, lycopene, and astaxanthin in mitigating skin photoaging is still limited.”
They added that during the study periods considered, typically 24 weeks or less, all dietary supplements were found to be safe and noted that their findings should not be interpreted as conclusive evidence against potential benefits but rather encourage rigorously designed, hypothesis-driven studies to further explore safety, efficacy and mechanism of action of the various compounds.
Microencapsulated curcumin shows skin health potential
Six weeks of supplementation with Lubrizol’s Curcushine-branded microencapsulated curcumin extract was associated with reductions in wrinkle depth and fewer signs of aging and skin oxidation, according to data published in Agro FOOD Industry Hi Tech.
“The study shows a significant decrease in wrinkle area, reduction of redness and brown spots and a clear trend towards improved skin luminosity, homogeneity and reduced oxidative stress,” wrote scientists from Lubrizol Nutraceuticals and Lipotec S.A.U. in Spain. “The observed benefits of [Curcushine] are likely due to the reduction of ROS and modulation of collagen synthesis.”
The study involved 63 women between the ages of 21 and 50 with facial skin imperfections (dark spots and/or acne marks) and/or fine lines in the crow’s feet area. Participants consumed either 2 grams of Curcushine (providing 0.5 grams of curcumin per day) or a placebo for 42 days.
Study explores Nutrafol Men for visibly thicker, fuller hair
Findings published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology evaluated the effectiveness of Nutrafol Men’s Capsules in improving hair growth and quality in men between the ages of 21 and 61 years old with confirmed hair thinning.
Published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, the six-month, multi-center, randomized, placebo-controlled trial showed significant improvements in the active treatment group compared to the placebo, with 85% of participants reporting positive results.
The company noted that its combination of standardized ingredients target key root causes of thinning for visibly thicker, fuller hair growth and scalp coverage without the common side effects of conventional solutions that affect sexual performance.
These ingredients include Nutrafol’s proprietary Synergen Complex with ingredients like saw palmetto (for DHT), Sensoril ashwagandha (for stress), hydrolyzed marine collage, curcumin and tocotrienols, as well as nutrients including biotin, zinc, iodine and vitamins A, C and D.
Keratin supplementation improves hair and skin in middle-aged women
Consuming an oral dose of keratin may provide beauty-from-within benefits for hair and skin in women between the ages of 45 and 60, according to a study on AIDP’s KeraGEN-IV ingredient.
Writing in the journal HealthMed, researchers from New Zealand, France and the United States noted that the gentle pulling action triggering hair loss is typically experienced by women in this age group during combing and brushing, chemical processing and peri- and or post-menopause. Nails can also be negatively affected by cosmetic and chemical agents, while skin loses elasticity and hydration as women age.
The study presented oxidized keratin as advancing keratinocyte migration, which brings about protein expression of beneficial collagen type IV, a junctional protein that is crucial in joining the epidermal and dermal layers of the skin and anchoring hair in the hair follicle. For skin health, it highlighted that keratin has shown promise in treating dermatological conditions and forms a protective barrier that prevents water loss and protects against environmental pollutants and pathogens.
The research, conducted over 60 days with 65 participants, showed a 43.1% reduction in hair loss and increased skin elasticity by over 10% in those taking the supplement compared to a placebo group. While hair and skin showed significant improvements, no difference was observed in nail strength or condition.
Key trends in beauty-from-within science
1. Diverse ingredients and mechanisms: The science is exploring a wide range of ingredients, such as botanical blends, collagen precursors, probiotics, amino acids, resveratrol, olive leaf extract, pine bark extract, hyaluronic acid, soy isoflavones and keratin. These act through multiple biological pathways, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and microbiome-related mechanisms.
2. Personalized and microbiome-aware approaches: Individual responses to supplements can vary based on factors like age, gender, geography and microbiome composition. For example, the ability to produce certain metabolites (like S-equol from soy isoflavones) may influence the effectiveness of supplements.
3. Beyond antioxidants, multifaceted benefits: Ingredients once considered primarily antioxidants (e.g., resveratrol) are now being explored for broader roles, such as activating sirtuins, improving blood flow and supporting cellular repair. The gut microbiota’s role in metabolizing these compounds is increasingly seen as crucial for their effectiveness.
4. Skin aging and cellular health: Supplements are shown to impact skin aging by preserving elastin, reducing cellular aging markers and supporting extracellular matrix homeostasis. Sirtuins (SIRT1, SIRT3, SIRT6) are highlighted as key enzymes for skin longevity and DNA repair.
5. Holistic and synergistic effects: Combining topical and oral supplementation (e.g., Astragalus-Centella blend, collagen peptides) apears to yield the most significant improvements in skin health, suggesting that a holistic approach is beneficial.
6. Hair health innovations: New research is emerging on supplements for hair growth and quality, such as NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide), keratin and proprietary blends targeting root causes of thinning. These show promise for both men and women.
7. Safety and tolerability: Most studies report minimal adverse effects, with supplements generally well tolerated. However, limitations such as small sample sizes and lack of biomarker assessments are noted, indicating a need for further research.
8. Market trends and future directions: The global beauty supplements market is expected to continue growing, with increasing interest in evidence-backed, personalized and microbiome-aware (gut-skin axis) products. The focus is shifting toward interventions that address both appearance and underlying biological health.
