What Is Tomato Extract?
Tomato extract is a standardized botanical concentrate obtained from the ripe fruit of Solanum lycopersicum (INCI: Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Extract). The commercially relevant fraction is lycopene (CAS 502-65-8), an acyclic carotenoid supplied as a dark red to reddish-brown powder or oleoresin, typically standardized to 5%, 6% or 10% lycopene by HPLC. Cosmetic grades are offered as oil-dispersible oleoresin or water-dispersible powder; food and supplement grades follow the same assay windows under E160d colour specifications.
How It Works
Lycopene is one of the most efficient singlet-oxygen quenchers in the human diet, with a quenching constant roughly two orders of magnitude higher than that of beta-carotene in vitro. In skin models it reduces UVA-induced lipid peroxidation and dampens MMP-1 expression, the collagenase responsible for photoageing-related matrix breakdown. Evidence also suggests activation of the Nrf2/ARE antioxidant response pathway, which raises endogenous glutathione and catalase in keratinocytes.
In oral applications, lycopene bioavailability depends strongly on co-ingested lipids. Oleoresin-based or emulsified grades deliver a markedly higher plasma AUC than crystalline material, which is why serious suppliers specify the carrier system alongside the assay value.
Five Key Application Areas
- Antioxidant and brightening serums — 0.05–0.5% oleoresin in anhydrous or emulsion systems, frequently paired with vitamin C or niacinamide.
- Sun care and blue-light defence — a carotenoid antioxidant for SPF and after-sun formulas where synthetic antioxidants raise label concerns.
- Anti-ageing and firmness creams — positioned against MMP-mediated collagen loss and glycation-driven dullness.
- Beauty-from-within and cardiovascular softgels — 5–15 mg lycopene per dose in an oil suspension for stable fill weights.
- Food and beverage colouring — E160d for sauces, beverages and confectionery, replacing synthetic reds in clean-label reformulation.
VeraVita Supply
VeraVita Biotech supplies tomato extract standardized to 5%–10% lycopene with assay verified by HPLC and purity of ≥99% on a carrier-free basis, packed in 25 kg fibre drums with food-grade PE inner liners. COA and MSDS are available on request, and we support OEM/ODM for custom assay, carrier system and private-label packaging. Send your specification to info@veravitabio.com for pricing and sample dispatch timelines.