Abstract
BACKGROUND: The role of turmeric extract (oral and topical) has been studied in the management of various skin disorders, but its potential to improve skin health in healthy individuals remains largely unexplored. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of an orally administered low-dose, water-dispersible turmeric extract containing 60% natural curcuminoids (WDTE60N) in reducing blemish and enhancing skin tone evenness, hydration, and gloss in healthy women. METHODS: In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, women (18-40 years) with one identified facial blemish were randomized to receive WDTE60N (250 mg) or a placebo capsule once daily for 60 days. Changes in a pre-marked blemish area on facial skin, skin hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and skin gloss from baseline to day 60 were evaluated. RESULTS: Of 96 participants enrolled, 90 (WDTE60N, n = 45; placebo, n = 45) completed the study. The WDTE60N group showed significantly greater reductions in Antera 3D imaging readings for blemish from baseline compared to placebo starting from day 30 (p = 0.036) onwards to day 60 (p = 0.001). Significant improvement from baseline in blemish scale score on day 30 (p = 0.024) and day 60 (p = 0.001) was observed in the WDTE60N group than in the placebo group. From day 15 onward, the WDTE60N administration significantly improved skin hydration and gloss while significantly reducing TEWL (p = 0.001). WDTE60N was well tolerated with no major adverse events. CONCLUSION: WDTE60N 250 mg capsule was safe and effective in improving facial skin health in the participants. This study provides clinical evidence supporting WDTE60N as a promising cosmeceutical agent. TRIAL REGISTRATION: CTRI number: CTRI/2024/06/068637.