Oral formulations with natural plant-based extracts represent a safe and promising strategy for skin lightening and anti-dark-spot effects, especially in Asia. This study evaluated the effect of an oral formulation including polyphenol-rich extracts and vitamin C (Belight^3TM) on in vitro tyrosinase inhibitory activity and investigated its skin lightening and anti-dark-spot effects in vivo. Tyrosinase inhibitory activity of the formulation was measured with spectrophotometry. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study was carried out on 58 healthy Asian males and females, aged 45–65. Skin color was measured at baseline, 6 weeks and 12 weeks with digital photographs. Color of dark spots was assessed with spectrophotometry. In vitro, the formulation showed a significant synergistic tyrosinase inhibitory activity of 85% compared to the control. In vivo, 12-week oral administration of the formulation significantly lightened the skin and was significantly better than the placebo. In addition, this formulation induced a slight and significant lightening effect of the dark spots after 6 and 12 weeks. Our findings suggest that the daily oral administration of Belight^3TM during 12 weeks appears as an efficient and safe nutricosmetic to lighten the color of the facial skin and dark spots in Asian subjects.

Collagen is an essential ingredient in dietary supplements for its anti-ageing benefits, and l-cystine-based supplementation has garnered interest for its ability to improve skin condition. Our study aimed to evaluate the effects of oral supplementation combining l-cystine and fish collagen peptides at two different dosages on mature (55–65 years) and young (18–30 years) skin types. Two randomised, three-arm, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials were conducted. A total of 198 Asian women were allocated into equal groups (5.5 or 11 g of active supplement or placebo daily for 12 weeks). In the Young panel, global aesthetic improvement, cutaneous pigmentation homogeneity, texture, redness, acne scars, and UV sensitivity were investigated. In the Mature panel, complexion radiance, crow’s feet, cutaneous thickness, moisturising, pigmentation homogeneity, texture, and skin colour were investigated. In mature women, the most notable improvements after 12 weeks were hydration, cutaneous thickness, and wrinkles. In younger women, improvements in cutaneous texture, reduced skin redness, and increased UV photoprotection were the most notable effects. Oral administration of the dietary supplement containing l-cystine and collagen peptides was perfectly well tolerated. In addition to the already known benefits for mature skin, this supplementation could also benefit younger people with skin imperfections.