Emollient

Lycopene

Lycopene — a red carotenoid from tomatoes. One of the most powerful antioxidants in nature — 2 times stronger than beta-carotene against free radicals. Protects against UV damage and photoaging.

antioxidantUV protectiontomatoescarotenoid

✓ Safe

Comedogenic Rating

0/5

Irritation Potential

0/5

What is it?

Lycopene (C₄₀H₅₆) — an open-chain carotenoid without ring structures. INCI: Lycopene. Sources: tomatoes (especially processed — lycopene is better absorbed), watermelon, grapefruit, papaya. Fat-soluble — dissolves well in oils. Concentration in cosmetics: 0.01–1%. Unstable to light and heat — requires protected packaging.

Antioxidant day creams and serums for protection against photoaging. Effective in combination with vitamin E and other carotenoids. Products for protection against environmental influences.

Key Benefits

✦

The strongest carotenoid-antioxidant

Lycopene neutralizes singlet oxygen (¹O₂) 2 times more effectively than beta-carotene and 10 times better than vitamin E. Singlet oxygen is one of the main agents of UV skin damage. Lycopene is the first line of defense against photo-oxidative stress.

◈

Protection against UV and photoaging

Studies show: regular consumption and application of lycopene reduces UV-induced erythema of the skin. Protects cell DNA from photodamage. Reduces collagen degradation caused by UV. Accumulates in the skin with regular use.

✧

Even tone and anti-aging effect

Lycopene inhibits tyrosinase activity (weaker than arbutin, but additionally). Protects against glycation — a chemical reaction between sugars and skin proteins (collagen) that accelerates aging. The skin looks younger and more even over time.

Suitable for

for all skin typesfor mature skinfor skin with signs of photoagingfor sensitive skin

Main Actions

✓ powerful antioxidant✓ protection against UV and photoaging✓ even tone

Lycopene vs Beta-Carotene vs Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin — the most powerful carotenoid-antioxidant (6000x stronger than vitamin C), but expensive. Lycopene — second in strength against singlet oxygen, more accessible. Beta-carotene — converts to vitamin A, beneficial for regeneration. All three are synergistic — together they provide comprehensive protection.

CategoryEmollients

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