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VITAMINS & SUPPLEMENTS · GUIDE

Antioxidants and Skin Aging, Sun Damage and Skin Care

What reviews found on oral and topical antioxidants for skin aging and sun damage, how strong the evidence is, and why sunscreen and shade remain the step the sources lead with.

Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.

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Quick answer

Some antioxidant supplements, mainly certain carotenoids and plant polyphenols, have shown small effects on sun-damage markers in short human studies. None of the sources we read shows that antioxidant pills or creams replace sun protection. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lists limiting midday sun, covering skin with clothing, and regular broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher as key sun-safety steps. [1] The FDA also says that sunscreens, used as directed with other sun-protection measures, help prevent sunburn and/or reduce the risks of skin cancer. [1]

What "antioxidant for skin" can mean

  • Eaten or swallowed. Supplements such as carotenoids (lycopene, astaxanthin), polyphenols, vitamins and coenzyme Q10, covered here as research on photoprotection and skin aging.
  • Applied to the skin. Creams and serums, often with vitamin C or vitamin E.
  • Measured outcomes differ. A study of redness after UV exposure, one of skin thickness, and one of visible wrinkles are different things. Marker changes are not the same as fewer wrinkles or less skin cancer.

Oral supplements: what the reviews found

3 findings · 1 supported · 2 limited or unclearThe colour follows the evidence label on each card.

  1. Natarelli et al. 2025, systematic review [2]

    Limited: small sample sizes, short duration [2]

    47 human studies of oral supplements on photoprotection

    What it found: The greatest evidence of photoprotection for polyphenols, carotenoid-based and Polypodium leucotomos supplements; the weakest for isolated vitamin or coenzyme Q supplements

  2. Astaxanthin meta-analysis 2021 [3]

    Small trials; one carotenoid only [3]

    Nine randomized studies of oral astaxanthin, plus two open-label studies

    What it found: Oral astaxanthin significantly restored skin moisture and improved elasticity versus placebo, but did not significantly decrease wrinkle depth

  3. Tomato and lycopene meta-analysis 2024 [4]

    Biomarker and appearance outcomes in healthy people [4]

    21 intervention trials

    What it found: Supplementing tomato and lycopene could reduce skin erythema (redness) formation

Do not carry these results across forms. Findings on astaxanthin or lycopene do not tell us about vitamin C or E tablets, and the Natarelli review found isolated vitamins had the weakest support. [2] More detail is on the astaxanthin page, the carotenoids page and the page on what labels claim for skin, hair and eyes.

Antioxidant skin care (creams and serums)

A 2025 review of non-filtering "photoprotective ingredients" added to sunscreens found that top-ranked ones, including L-ascorbic acid (a form of vitamin C) and tocopherol (vitamin E), showed efficacy across several photodamage endpoints. It also found that fewer than 2% of candidate ingredients are clinically validated. [5] At least one author lists a company affiliation and the paper carries a company copyright, so read it as a review by people with an interest in the field, not an independent verdict. [5] Proper evidence not found, in the sources read for this page, that an antioxidant cream can replace sunscreen. For everyday routines see skin care basics and skin aging and appearance.

Sun protection comes first

The FDA's guidance is practical and not about antioxidants: limit time in the sun when rays are most intense, wear clothing that covers exposed skin, use broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher, and reapply at least every two hours, and more often if sweating or swimming. [1] The FDA also says to ask a doctor before applying sunscreen to children under six months of age. [1]

Frequently asked questions

Can antioxidant supplements protect skin from the sun?

Some small, short studies of carotenoids and polyphenols show effects on sun-damage markers, but the evidence is limited and does not replace sun protection. [2]

Do vitamin C or E tablets help skin aging?

The 2025 photoprotection review found the weakest evidence for isolated vitamin and coenzyme Q supplements. [2]

Does astaxanthin reduce wrinkles?

A meta-analysis found improved moisture and elasticity but no significant reduction in wrinkle depth versus placebo. [3]

Is sunscreen still needed if I take antioxidants?

The sources we read present sunscreen with other sun-protection measures as the step to rely on. [1]

Do antioxidant creams work?

Proper evidence not found here for creams replacing sunscreen. One review found some topical antioxidants effective on photodamage endpoints, but few candidates are clinically validated. [5]

More details: evidence, limits and cautions

The details behind this page: cautions, limits of the evidence and where sources disagree. Open any note to read it.

Safety and who should ask first
  • Smokers. Beta-carotene supplements raised lung cancer risk in smokers and asbestos-exposed people. [6] Skin-focused carotenoid products are not a reason to take them; see the smoker trials page.
  • Cancer treatment. Antioxidants may interfere with some treatments; tell your oncology team. [6]
  • Medicines. High-dose vitamin E may increase bleeding and interact with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medicines. [6] Ask a pharmacist; see medication interactions.
  • Pregnancy, breastfeeding and children. NCCIH says it is especially important to consult a health care provider. [6]
  • Kidney and liver conditions. Not described in the sources we read for this page. Ask a clinician or pharmacist.
  • Skin changes. A new, changing or bleeding mole needs a medical check, not a supplement; see skin and hair safety.

One trial in the National Cancer Institute's summary (SU.VI.MAX, a combination of several nutrients) reported increased skin cancer incidence among women only. [7] It is one trial of a mixed product, so it is a reason for caution, not a conclusion.

References
  1. US Food and Drug Administration. Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun. Read 2026-10-23.
  2. Natarelli N et al. Oral supplements and photoprotection: a systematic review. J Med Food 2025. Read 2026-10-23.
  3. Zhou X et al. Systematic review and meta-analysis on the effects of astaxanthin on human skin ageing. Nutrients 2021. Read 2026-10-23.
  4. Zhang X et al. The effect of tomato and lycopene on clinical characteristics and molecular markers of UV-induced skin deterioration: a systematic review and meta-analysis of intervention trials. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2024. Read 2026-10-23.
  5. Krutmann J et al. PINGing Sunshine: a review of the evidence for adding non-filtering photoprotective ingredients to sunscreens. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed 2025. Read 2026-10-23.
  6. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH, US). Antioxidant Supplements: What You Need To Know. Read 2026-10-23.
  7. National Cancer Institute (US). Antioxidants and Cancer Prevention. Read 2026-10-23.
Education, not medical advice. This page is for general information. It does not diagnose or treat any condition and is not a substitute for care from a qualified health professional. Natural does not automatically mean safe. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before changing your care, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition.