Reviewing the value of fucoxanthin as an ingredient in cosmeceutical applications
Published 11 July, 2025
The search for safe and effective natural ingredients in the cosmetics industry has been ongoing for years. It remains one of the most widely studied topics worldwide. Fucoxanthin, a natural pigment extracted from brown algae, has gained attention for its potent antioxidant properties.
In a study published in Journal of Dermatologic Science and Cosmetic Technology, a duo of researchers from Malaysia reviewed fucoxanthin’s potential applications in cosmeceuticals.
“Fucoxanthin has shown promising skin benefits across in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies. Laboratory tests revealed that it reduces oxidative stress, stimulates procollagen production, inhibits matrix metalloproteinases, and suppresses melanin synthesis—suggesting its potential to prevent skin aging, reduce pigmentation, and enhance skin structure,” shares co-author Mohd Fadzelly Abu Bakar from Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia. “It not only improves skin elasticity, but also reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.”‘
Animal studies further confirmed fucoxanthin protective effects against UV-induced damage, inflammation, and wrinkle formation. Notably, a clinical trial with Korean women reported significant improvements in skin moisture, elasticity, and wrinkle reduction after eight weeks of using a fucoxanthin-based cream.
“Fucoxanthin shows strong potential as a natural, sustainable ingredient in anti-aging skincare,” adds Bakar. “Nonetheless, challenges with stability, bioavailability, and sourcing limit its wider use. Continued clinical research and improved formulations are needed to overcome these barriers.”

Contact author name:
Siti Hamidah Mohd Setapar, Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Jalan Sultan Yahya Petra (Jalan Semarak), Kuala Lumpur 54100, Malaysia, siti-h@utm.my
Funder:
The author would like to acknowledge the Ministry of Higher Education of Malaysia (MOHE) and She Empire Sdn Bhd for their financial support under the Industry Matching Programme (IMaP) (Ref: IMaP/1/2024/SKK15/UTHM//1) for the project titled “FusionDerm Validation: Pioneering the Next-Generation Multipurpose Cream with Fucoxanthin for Enhanced Urban Skin Defense and Anti-Pollution Efficacy.”
Conflict of interest:
The authors declared no conflict of interests.
See the article:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2950306X25000184