Naringenin as a Multifunctional Ingredient Targeting Pathways Associated With Skin Inflammaging

BACKGROUNDInflammaging, a sustained state of low-level inflammatory activity with age, is a driving factor in age-related changes in skin structure, function, and appearance. By perturbing fundamental biological pathways, inflammaging is a relevant target in skincare and anti-aging research.

AIMThe objective of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory and anti-aging potential of naringenin, a natural flavonoid, using a combination of mechanistic in vitro analyses and a controlled human clinical evaluation.

METHODSThe activities and mechanism of action of naringenin were tested on normal human epidermal keratinocytes and in complementary acellular assays. A placebo-controlled clinical study was conducted to assess the effects of topical naringenin on multiple skin parameters.

RESULTSTranscriptomic analysis was applied as a discovery-driven strategy to characterize the molecular responses induced by naringenin. Naringenin was found to have anti-inflammatory properties, including downregulation of proinflammatory pathway genes, a significant reduction in biomarkers interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in keratinocytes, and a reduction in visible redness in clinical trial participants. In addition to its anti-inflammatory activity, naringenin exhibited a multimodal anti-aging profile, including gene expression changes consistent with modulation of skin aging, radical-scavenging capacity, inhibition of elastase activity, and reduced protein glycation. Topical application led to statistically significant improvements in multiple skin attributes.

CONCLUSIONThese findings identify naringenin as a multifunctional bioactive ingredient with anti-inflammaging properties relevant to skincare. The anti-inflammaging function of naringenin is further supported by clinical outcomes showing improved wrinkle appearance, skin elasticity, and hydration following topical use.

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