A bioavailability-enhanced astaxanthin ingredient marketed by Aquanova as NovaSOL Astaxanthin was associated with skin health benefits in a recent unpublished study.

The ingredient is manufactured with the company’s NovaSOL technology, which creates a nature-like micelle structure to enhance the solubility and bioavailability of the active ingredient.

In the 84-day study, 25 women between the ages of 30 and 50 were given objective and subjective skin assessments at baseline, day 28, day 56, and upon study completion. Each woman took two capsules of NovaSOL Astaxanthin daily.

The researchers used a variety of tools to assess skin health, such as Corneometer for hydration, ColorFace and C-Cube for complexion, and AEVA-HE 3D mapping which evaluates skin texture.

By day 28, researchers found a reduction in redness in 84% of participants. On day 56, the same number of participants saw improvements in skin luminosity, enhanced whiteness, and a more uniform skin tone. By day 84, 92% of subjects experienced improvements in skin whiteness and luminosity. Eighty percent of the subjects maintained reduced redness and improved skin texture and 84% saw improvements in skin tone, reported Aquanova.

Three-quarters of the subjects self-reported that their skin was more comfortable, and 60% reported greater skin softness. Further, 64% of subjects said their skin looked more hydrated, which also aligned with the objective measures of texture improvements.

“Advanced dermatological tools confirmed the product’s effectiveness and user feedback highlighted high satisfaction and perceived improvements,” the authors wrote. “Overall, NovaSOL Astaxanthin proved to be a safe and effective beauty-from-within solution for age-related skin concerns.”