CaroRite™ for improving skin health and the visible signs of aging - a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Background There is an increasing need to identify novel ingredients that can be safely utilized to enhance skin function and mitigate skin aging. Carotenoid supplementation shows promise in improving skin health and reducing signs of aging, owing to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Aim This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a carotenoid supplement, CaroRite™, on skin health and the visible signs of aging in healthy females. Methods Eighty female participants aged 40–55 years were recruited and randomised to receive either CaroRite™ (containing 28–30 mg mixed carotenoids) or a placebo. Participants were instructed to take one capsule daily for 12 weeks. Outcome measures included visible signs of aging (wrinkles, skin elasticity, hydration, sebum, pigmentation, pore size, and temperature), transepidermal water loss (TEWL), dermal thickness, skin carotenoid levels, dietary carotenoid intake, and safety. Results No significant between-group differences were observed for visible signs of aging parameters (p > 0.05). At week 12, significant between-group differences from baseline were observed for TEWL (CaroRite™ −4.58 ± 9.43 vs. placebo 0.34 ± 6.73; p = 0.011) and dermal thickness (CaroRite™ 139.50 ± 220.21 μm vs. placebo 43.90 ± 225.97 μm; p = 0.036). Skin carotenoid levels increased by 48.1% in the active group (CaroRite™ +167.09 ± 117.23 vs. placebo 9.42 ± 47.16; p < 0.001), despite no significant differences in dietary carotenoid intake between groups. Conclusion Daily oral supplementation with CaroRite™ did not reduce the visible signs of ageing after 12 weeks, however notable improvements in skin carotenoid status, TEWL and dermal thickness was found. CaroRite™ demonstrated good bioavailability and was well tolerated. Overall, these findings support the use of CaroRite™ as part of a comprehensive approach to potentially improving skin health, particularly for enhancing skin carotenoid status and supporting underlying structural and barrier function. Clinical Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov , Identifier NCT06878001.