Anthocyanin-Containing Rose Petal Extract for Photoaging Improvement: A 12-Week Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract

Skin photoaging, characterized by wrinkles, loss of elasticity, dryness, and pigmentation, is primarily driven by UV-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and degradation of extracellular matrix proteins. Polyphenol-rich botanicals, particularly anthocyanin-containing Rosa chinensis Jacq. petals, have shown promising antioxidant and collagen-supportive properties in preclinical studies, yet clinical evidence has been lacking. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of a standardized Rosa chinensis petal extract (RPE; NOVAROSE^®) in 100 healthy men and women aged 25–65 years over 12 weeks. Participants received one tablet per day containing 300 mg of RPE or placebo. Skin parameters were assessed at baseline, week 6, and week 12 using validated instruments. RPE supplementation significantly improved wrinkle indices, skin roughness, elasticity, dermal density, and sagging compared with placebo. Additionally, RPE increased hydration, reduced transepidermal water loss, and decreased stratum corneum desquamation, reflecting enhanced barrier and renewal functions. Additionally, RPE significantly improved skin hydration and barrier function, as evidenced by increased hydration, reduced transepidermal water loss, decreased stratum corneum desquamation, and enhanced skin brightness (L*). Compliance exceeded 95%, and no serious adverse events were reported. These findings provide the first clinical evidence that anthocyanin-containing RPE supplementation yields meaningful improvements in both structural and functional markers of skin health. RPE is a safe, plant-based nutraceutical with potential as a systemic oral strategy for managing photoaging.