Urolithin A

Best

Antioxidant

Urolithin A at a glance

  • Naturally produced inside the gut
  • Byproduct of ellagic acid digestion
  • Has antioxidant properties
  • Helps prevent cell senescence

Urolithin A description

Urolithin A is an antioxidant-rich natural compound produced when microbes inside the gut break down foods rich in ellagic acid, such as pomegranates, nuts and many types of berries. Ellagic acid is a polyphenol antioxidant. Its metabolite, urolithin A, also has antioxidant benefits, backed by studies showing it has potent free radical-scavenging abilities. Even more promising is research demonstrating that it can enhance skin longevity by preventing cell senescence. Cell senescence is one of the key biomarkers of aging. It’s a process where cells stop dividing and start sending inflammatory messages to nearby, healthy cells. Premature cell senescence increases skin’s biological age, resulting in the well-known signs of aging including wrinkles, discolorations and skin losing its ability to repair itself. Studies demonstrate urolithin A can mitigate the effects of senescence, including that caused by UVA radiation, which is a leading cause of skin aging and a contributor to every type of skin cancer. More research is needed, but urolithin A shows a lot of potential in becoming an anti-aging ingredient to watch. Urolithin-A may be plant-derived or synthetic. The research-supported use level of this ingredient in cosmetics is 1%.

Urolithin A references

  • Frontiers in Medicine, September 2024, pages 1-14
  • Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, July 2022, page 112,462
  • Frontiers in Pharmacology, March 2022, pages 1-10
  • Antioxidants, February 2020, pages 1-16
  • Rejuvenation Research, June 2019, pages 191-200
  • Food and Chemical Toxicology, October 2017, pages 289-297

Peer-reviewed, substantiated scientific research is used to assess ingredients in this dictionary. Regulations regarding constraints, permitted concentration levels and availability vary by country and region.

Ingredient ratings

Best

Proven and supported by independent studies. Outstanding active ingredient for most skin types or concerns.

Good

Necessary to improve a formula's texture, stability, or penetration.

Average

Generally non-irritating but may have aesthetic, stability, or other issues that limit its usefulness.

Bad

There is a likelihood of irritation. Risk increases when combined with other problematic ingredients.

Worst

May cause irritation, inflammation, dryness, etc. May offer benefit in some capability but overall, proven to do more harm than good.

unknown

We couldn't find this in our ingredient dictionary. We log all missing ingredients and make continuous updates.

Not rated

We have not yet rated this ingredient because we have not had a chance to review the research on it.