Continuous Intake of Lycopene-Rich Tomato Juice Suggests Suppression of Skin Damage After UV Irradiation - Improvement in Skin Redness and Brightness Confirmed in Clinical Trial on Japanese Subjects
Kagome Co., Ltd. has confirmed through a human intervention trial that daily consumption of tomato juice containing 14.2 mg of lycopene for 13 weeks significantly reduces skin redness and maintains brightness after UV exposure in Japanese adults.
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- 📰 Published: April 28, 2026 at 21:00
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Kagome Co., Ltd. (President & CEO: Harunobu Okutani, Nagoya, Aichi) has confirmed that continuous intake of tomato juice containing lycopene may suppress skin damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Specifically, a significant reduction in skin redness (a* value) and a significant increase in skin brightness (L* value) after UV irradiation were observed. These findings were published in the journal 'Pharmacometrics' in December 2025.
### Key Findings
- A 13-week continuous intake of tomato juice containing 14.2 mg of lycopene by healthy Japanese adults suggested that lycopene suppresses skin damage caused by UV rays.
- Under conditions of intense UV irradiation, skin redness (a* value) and brightness (L* value) 5 days after irradiation were significantly improved compared to the placebo group.
### Background of the Study
UV radiation is a major cause of skin damage, such as redness (erythema). Lycopene, abundant in tomatoes, is known for its powerful antioxidant properties. While studies in Western countries have reported its potential to suppress UV-induced skin redness, no studies had clarified its effects on Japanese people, who react differently to UV rays. This study aimed to verify the effects of continuous lycopene-rich tomato juice intake on UV-induced skin conditions in Japanese subjects.
### Study Methods and Results
1. **Methodology:** A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial was conducted with 73 healthy Japanese adults. Participants were divided into a 'tomato juice group' (intaking lycopene) and a 'placebo group' (intaking a non-lycopene beverage) for 13 weeks. Skin conditions on the back were evaluated after UV irradiation before and after the test period using metrics such as Minimal Erythema Dose (MED) and skin color indicators (a* and L* values).
2. **Main Results:** Under conditions of 1.4 MED (1.4 times the intensity of MED), significant improvements in the change of a* and L* values were observed 5 days after irradiation. No significant improvement was confirmed for MED itself. These results indicate that 14.2 mg of lycopene intake helps suppress both skin redness and darkening under strong UV conditions.
### Publication Information
- **Title:** Photoprotective Effect of Lycopene Supplementation Against Ultraviolet Radiation-Induced Skin Damage: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Trial
- **Journal:** Pharmacometrics 109 (3/4) 67-79, 2025.
- **Authors:** Yuichiro Nakazawa, Ayaka Tsutsumi, Shingo Takahashi, Shigenori Suzuki
### Terminology
- **Lycopene:** A red pigment found in tomatoes, part of the carotenoid family, known for neutralizing harmful active oxygen.
- **a* Value:** An indicator of redness; lower changes mean better suppression of redness.
- **L* Value:** An indicator of brightness/luminosity; higher changes mean better suppression of skin darkening.
### Key Findings
- A 13-week continuous intake of tomato juice containing 14.2 mg of lycopene by healthy Japanese adults suggested that lycopene suppresses skin damage caused by UV rays.
- Under conditions of intense UV irradiation, skin redness (a* value) and brightness (L* value) 5 days after irradiation were significantly improved compared to the placebo group.
### Background of the Study
UV radiation is a major cause of skin damage, such as redness (erythema). Lycopene, abundant in tomatoes, is known for its powerful antioxidant properties. While studies in Western countries have reported its potential to suppress UV-induced skin redness, no studies had clarified its effects on Japanese people, who react differently to UV rays. This study aimed to verify the effects of continuous lycopene-rich tomato juice intake on UV-induced skin conditions in Japanese subjects.
### Study Methods and Results
1. **Methodology:** A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial was conducted with 73 healthy Japanese adults. Participants were divided into a 'tomato juice group' (intaking lycopene) and a 'placebo group' (intaking a non-lycopene beverage) for 13 weeks. Skin conditions on the back were evaluated after UV irradiation before and after the test period using metrics such as Minimal Erythema Dose (MED) and skin color indicators (a* and L* values).
2. **Main Results:** Under conditions of 1.4 MED (1.4 times the intensity of MED), significant improvements in the change of a* and L* values were observed 5 days after irradiation. No significant improvement was confirmed for MED itself. These results indicate that 14.2 mg of lycopene intake helps suppress both skin redness and darkening under strong UV conditions.
### Publication Information
- **Title:** Photoprotective Effect of Lycopene Supplementation Against Ultraviolet Radiation-Induced Skin Damage: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Trial
- **Journal:** Pharmacometrics 109 (3/4) 67-79, 2025.
- **Authors:** Yuichiro Nakazawa, Ayaka Tsutsumi, Shingo Takahashi, Shigenori Suzuki
### Terminology
- **Lycopene:** A red pigment found in tomatoes, part of the carotenoid family, known for neutralizing harmful active oxygen.
- **a* Value:** An indicator of redness; lower changes mean better suppression of redness.
- **L* Value:** An indicator of brightness/luminosity; higher changes mean better suppression of skin darkening.