British Nutrition Foundation explores whether oral nutraceuticals help skin beauty

A review of published research conducted by nutrition scientists at the British Nutrition Foundation (BNF) reveals a very limited evidence base to support some of the ingredients used in popular beauty supplements. 

The global beauty supplements market is expected to reach $7,100m (£5,116m) by 2023. However, the review suggests that while a healthy, balanced diet, containing essential vitamins and minerals, is required for healthy skin, nutraceuticals may not add any real anti-ageing benefit. 

The BNF’s review entitled “Nutraceuticals and skin appearance: Is there any evidence to support this growing trend?”, examined published evidence behind some of the common ingredients used in the most popular products, to explore whether these ingredients have been found to benefit skin appearance in clinical studies. 

Ayela Spiro, nutrition science manager at the BNF, said, “While there is a body of research on the science of skin ageing, evidence for the benefit of nutraceuticals to skin appearance is currently not strong enough to draw firm conclusions.”