Oral Application of White Tomato Extract for Skin Beauty: Scientific Evidence from Photoprotection to Anti-Aging

What is white tomato extract?

White Tomato is a unique tomato variety whose fruits contain no lycopene but are instead rich in colorless carotenoids, primarily phytoene and phytofluene. These colorless carotenoids possess distinctive UV-absorbing properties that allow them to accumulate in the skin and provide endogenous photoprotection.

TOMESORAL® is a patented white tomato extract brand developed by Spain's Bioactive Ingredients. Produced via standardized extraction processes, it ensures consistent levels and activity of colorless carotenoids. This ingredient holds multiple international certifications and is registered for use in numerous countries worldwide.

Key Benefits of White Tomato Extract

1. Endogenous Photoprotection

Oral carotenoids are absorbed and accumulate in skin tissue. Upon UV exposure, these accumulated carotenoids absorb part of the UV energy, reducing damage to skin cells. Clinical studies show that continuous oral intake of white tomato extract for 8 weeks significantly increases the minimal erythema dose (MED), indicating enhanced skin tolerance to UV radiation.

2. Antioxidant & Anti-Photoaging

Colorless carotenoids are potent singlet oxygen quenchers. They scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by UV exposure, reducing oxidative stress and the degradation of collagen and elastin to slow down photoaging. In vitro studies show that white tomato extract has significantly superior antioxidant capacity compared to regular lycopene.

3. Improves skin tone evenness

White tomato extract inhibits UV-induced melanin overproduction, reducing dark spots and uneven skin tone. A 12-week clinical study showed that daily oral intake of white tomato extract reduced facial hyperpigmentation area by approximately 15% and improved skin evenness scores by about 22%.

4. Anti-inflammatory and Repair

Xanthophylls suppress UV-induced expression of inflammatory factors (e.g., IL-6, MMP-1), alleviate inflammation caused by photodamage, and promote skin barrier repair.

Clinical evidence

• Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published by the University of Valencia in 2025: 60 participants orally took white tomato extract daily for 12 weeks (at a dose of 240 mg/day), resulting in an approximate 30% increase in skin MED and an approximate 18% reduction in wrinkle depth.
• Korea Seoul National University 2026 study: Combined use of white tomato extract and vitamin C yields superior whitening effects compared to either ingredient alone.
• Shiseido's 2025 years of research: White tomato extract significantly reduces UV-induced skin erythema area and inflammatory marker levels.

Key Considerations for Developing Health Supplement Products

• Dosage Recommendation: The clinically studied typical dose is 150–300 mg of white tomato extract daily (standardized to ≥1.5% carotenoids).
• Form Selection: Softgels protect colorless carotenoids from oxidation; tablets suit complex formulations; liquid drinks are ideal for ready-to-consume use.
• Suggested Pairings: Combine with antioxidants such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Astaxanthin for synergistic effects.
• Target Audience: Beauty-conscious consumers who prioritize sun protection, outdoor sports enthusiasts, and middle-aged to older adults with noticeable photoaging.

Market Outlook

The global oral beauty market is projected to reach 68 billion USD in 2026, with a CAGR of approximately 8.2%. White tomato extract, an endogenous photoprotective ingredient backed by clinical evidence, holds a clear market position amid the "oral sunscreen" and "scientific beauty" trends. For brands, white tomato extract represents a key differentiating raw material worth prioritizing within the oral beauty category.