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Moumoujus

LYCOPENE.

Valuable CAS 502-65-8 / ANTIOXIDANT

Lycopene is a potent carotenoid antioxidant prized for its comprehensive benefits in skin health. It provides robust protection against environmental stressors, actively supports the skin's natural repair processes, and significantly contributes to improved elasticity and hydration.

Summary

Antioxidant Photoprotective Anti-inflammatory DNA Protection Collagen Preservation Skin Firming Elasticity Enhancer Hydration Booster Skin Tone Balancer Cell Renewal Support

Science

Mechanism of Action

Lycopene primarily functions as a powerful antioxidant, effectively neutralizing free radicals and mitigating oxidative stress within skin cells. It actively stabilizes cellular DNA structure and promotes DNA double-strand break repair pathways, notably guarding against UVB-induced damage. Beyond its protective roles, lycopene exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, stimulates cell renewal, and impedes collagenase activity, thereby enhancing skin firmness, preserving collagen integrity, and boosting elasticity. It also optimizes intercellular communication via gap junctions for a refined skin texture, aids in balancing skin tone by reducing hyperpigmentation, and offers modest photoprotection against UV radiation, equivalent to approximately SPF-3, by directly absorbing UV light and reducing skin sensitization.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Topical application of lycopene has demonstrated significant protection of cellular DNA from UV radiation, enhancing DNA structural stability and reducing the reliance on intrinsic DNA repair mechanisms (Zhang et al., 2024).
  2. 02 A lycopene-infused cream led to a notable increase in stratum corneum elasticity and improved skin hydration over an 8-week application period (Marchena study).
  3. 03 Daily dietary intake of 8–16 mg of lycopene for 12 weeks was observed to reduce the intensity of UV-induced skin redness by 40–50%.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

Lycopene is a well-substantiated active ingredient with a robust mechanism of action and documented clinical efficacy for skin benefits, making it unsuitable for 'dusting' claims at sub-efficacious concentrations.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH 5.5 – 7
0 7 14

Stability

As a lipid-soluble compound, lycopene integrates effectively into oil-based or emulsion systems. It is inherently sensitive to degradation, particularly from UV exposure, heat, and light, necessitating stringent protection during manufacturing and storage to maintain its efficacy. Encapsulation, such as within plant ceramides, is a highly recommended strategy to improve its stability, shield it from oxidation, and facilitate deeper skin penetration. Optimal release and stability are observed within a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0, with significantly reduced release at more acidic conditions (pH 2.0-3.5).

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Sensitization risk Low

Lycopene (specifically as Tomato Lycopene Extract and Concentrate) holds a permanent FDA listing as exempt from certification for general food use (GMP). For topical cosmetic applications, it is widely regarded as safe and typically does not induce irritation.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Lycopene is a valuable antioxidant and photoprotective ingredient, demonstrably enhancing skin resilience, elasticity, and hydration across all skin types with a low risk of irritation.

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