Microencapsulated curcumin extract positively impacts skin appearance in recent study

Lubrizol announced results from a new study investigating the effects of Curcushine microcapsules on skin rejuvenation. The study was published in Journal Agro FOOD Industry hi-tech and was orchestrated by Mari Carmen Lidón, PhD. The double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study¹ consisted of 63 healthy female participants that were between the ages of 21 to 50 years old. Participants were required to have some form of skin imperfection. For example, fine lines in the crow’s feet area or dark spots and acne marks. The study’s purpose was to figure out the efficacy of Curcushine, a natural curcumin extract, for improving facial skin appearance.

To gather data, participants were split up into two groups. One group took an active food supplement sachet daily that contained 20 g of water-soluble powder with 2g of Curcushine microcapsules, providing 0.5g of curcuminoids, and the other group took a placebo supplement sachet daily containing 20g of water-soluble powder. Before the study began, participants were asked 15 days prior to use the same placebo face cream two times per day on their entire face, as well as a cleanser to be used before the placebo cream but only at night. No other topical treatments were allowed to be used. Measurements were taken at the beginning of the 42 days of the study and at the end.

After analyzing the data, researchers found that visible benefits were obtained in the epidermal layer of the skin. This was due to the “high water dispersible properties to the curcumin and other curcuminoids,” which helped the body better absorb the curcuminoids. Participants taking the Curcushine microcapsules saw a greater than 10% reduction in wrinkle area in the crow's feet region, over 5% reduction in wrinkle volume on the forehead, nearly 4% reduction in brown spots, a greater than 5% increase in skin color homogeneity, and over a 7% reduction in Malondialdehyde, a marker of oxidative stress. ¹

“The results of this clinical study, along with the previous lab study underscore’s CURCUSHINE™’s potential in supporting skin rejuvenation and overall beauty enhancement,” said Teresa Negra, Nutraceuticals New Business Development Manager at Lubrizol, in the press release. “This is attributed to the microencapsulation technology used, which enables curcumin to be easily absorbed within the body radiating its positive benefits on the epidermal layers of skin, rendering it a powerful natural beauty-from-within agent.”

“Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are reflected by the noticeable improvement in skin luminosity and uniform skin tone, along with a visible reduction in signs of aging,” mentioned Alan Connolly, Nutraceuticals R&D Manager at Lubrizol, in a press release. “This most likely occurs through the reduction of harmful reactive oxygen molecules and inflammation, which contributes to the modulation of collagen synthesis. However further studies are needed to verify this. Still, it can be concluded that Curcushine is a beneficial nutricosmetic ingredient that exerts a protective effect on skin structures when supplemented regularly alongside a standard diet.”

Those interested in learning more about Curcushine, attendees can visit Lubrizol at Vitafoods Europe 2025, taking place in Barcelona, Spain, between May 20-22, 2025, at Booth# 4F10.

Reference

1. Negra, T.; Connolly, A.; Lidón-Moya, M. C.; Mola, G.; Delgado, R. Beauty from within - efficacy of oral curcumin extract microcapsules on skin appearance Journal Agro FOOD Industry hi-tech, 2025, 36 (1) https://digital.teknoscienze.com/agrofood_industry_hi_tech_36_1_2025/beauty_from_within_-_efficacy_of_oral_curcumin_extract_microcapsules_on_skin_appearance (accessed May 6, 2025).