Is Tomato Extract a Star Antioxidant Ingredient?

 Q1: What is Tomato Extract? 
Tomato Extract is a concentrated natural active substance refined from ripe fruits of Solanum lycopersicum. The production process includes cleaning, crushing, extraction with ethanol or supercritical CO₂, concentration and drying. It is mostly supplied as fine powder or oleoresin in deep red to purplish red, with a faint odour and mild sweet taste. Its common mesh size ranges from 80 to 120 mesh. As a liposoluble substance, it can also be processed into water-dispersible form via dedicated technologies.

Tomato has been widely consumed across the globe for more than a thousand years. Modern extraction techniques highly enrich its active ingredients, turning this common edible fruit into a high-value raw material widely used in health supplements, skincare products and functional foods.

Q2: What are the core ingredients of Tomato Extract? 
It features a complete composition system, with lycopene as the dominant component working alongside other active substances to deliver synergistic effects.

Lycopene: The primary active ingredient, accounting for 60% to 90% of the total content. As a natural liposoluble carotenoid, it ranks among the most potent natural antioxidants in nature. Its capacity to quench singlet oxygen is twice that of beta-carotene and 100 times that of vitamin E.

Other carotenoids: Including beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin. They assist in antioxidant activity and help protect eyesight and mucous membrane health.

Polyphenols: Such as chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid and quercetin. These compounds exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects by inhibiting inflammatory pathways and delaying cellular aging.

Vitamins and minerals: Enriched with vitamin C, vitamin E, potassium, zinc and more. They strengthen immunity and boost the overall antioxidant capacity.

Q3: What are the functions of Tomato Extract? What do authoritative studies reveal? 
Its multiple benefits have been verified by numerous international academic journals, covering antioxidant protection, cardiovascular care, skin maintenance and more.

Powerful antioxidant and anti-aging effect: A 2026 study published in Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosiaindicated that Tomato Extract can enhance the body's resistance to oxidative stress and extend the lifespan of model organisms by over 30%. A 2025 research in Nutrients proved its ORAC value reaches 800–1200 μmolTE/g, with a free radical scavenging capacity far superior to common fruits and vegetables.

Cardiovascular protection and reduced risk of chronic diseases: A double-blind trial published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutritionin 2006 showed that Tomato Extract can inhibit platelet aggregation and prevent the oxidation of bad cholesterol, thereby lowering the risk of atherosclerosis. A meta-analysis included in PMC in 2023 found that long-term supplementation can reduce stroke risk by 17%.

Skin care, internal sun protection and anti-aging: A randomized controlled trial in the Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications(2021) confirmed that oral intake of Tomato Extract can improve skin elasticity, reduce fine lines, and cut UV-induced skin erythema by 50%, delivering both sun protection and skin repair effects.

Prostate care and male health support: A 2022 article in the Journal of Nutritionpointed out that adequate intake of lycopene can reduce the risk of prostate issues by 25% and help maintain prostate health in a gentle way.

Anti-inflammation, immunity regulation and metabolic support: According to a 2026 study in Food Function, its polyphenols can suppress the NF-κB inflammatory pathway and down-regulate pro-inflammatory factors such as IL-6 and TNF-α, helping relieve chronic inflammation and regulate blood glucose metabolism.

Q4: What are the main applications of Tomato Extract?
 Thanks to its mild nature, high safety and diversified functions, it is applied across four major fields.

Dietary supplements: This is its largest application area. It is made into soft capsules, tablets and powder products focusing on anti-aging, prostate care and cardiovascular protection, and has become a mainstream raw material in the European and American health supplement market.

Functional foods and beverages: It is added into fruit juices, energy drinks, yogurts, nutrition bars and baked goods to enrich nutritional value and enhance antioxidant and anti-fatigue properties for daily health management.

Cosmetics and skincare products: Used in anti-aging serums, sunscreens and repairing creams. Its antioxidant and photoprotective properties help improve dull complexion and fine lines, and soothe sensitive skin.

Pharmaceutical industry: Served as an auxiliary raw material for traditional Chinese medicines and functional preparations targeting cardiovascular and prostate health. Its safety has been recognized by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Q5: What about its stability? How should it be stored?
 Tomato Extract maintains decent overall stability, yet it is sensitive to external conditions and may lose efficacy if improperly stored.

Stability performance: It keeps stable in both colour and active ingredients under a weakly acidic environment with pH value between 4.0 and 6.5. Under accelerated test conditions of 40℃ and 75% relative humidity, the retention rate of lycopene remains above 85% within six months. Nevertheless, strong light, high temperature, alkaline environment and metal ions will accelerate its oxidative degradation, resulting in decreased color value and weakened antioxidant activity.

Storage requirements: Keep the product hermetically sealed in a cool, dry and dark place with the ambient temperature below 25℃. Stay away from ultraviolet rays, high temperature and moisture. Please use it up within 1 to 2 months after opening. Nitrogen-filled sealed storage is recommended.

Packaging: It is commonly packed with double-layer aluminium foil bags inside and cardboard drums outside to isolate oxygen, light and moisture. The shelf life can reach 24 months.

To sum up, Tomato Extract is not a panacea for anti-aging, nor is it merely ordinary fruit powder. Combining traditional edible resources and modern extraction technologies, this premium natural extract features mild antioxidant activity and multi-dimensional nourishing effects with high safety and wide applicability. When purchasing products, prioritize those with lycopene content of no less than 5%, formal production techniques and reputable brands for safe and effective use.

Summit Ingredients Co.,Ltd established in 2015, is located in the Weinan North China High-tech Enzyme Industrial Park. Leveraging the abundant natural resources of the Qinling Mountains, the company has built a 4,500㎡ modern production base with an annual raw material processing capacity exceeding 3,000 tons. Currently, it has two overseas branches: one in California, USA, and the other in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Please contact us: at contact@summitingredients.com for any inquiries.

We specialize in the research and development and customization of plant extracts, fruit and vegetable powders, and food additives, spanning diverse fields such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and the health industry. The company strictly adheres to multiple international management systems, including ISO9001, ISO22000, HACCP, KOSHER, and HALAL With "Natural, Healthy, and Excellent" as its core values, the company is committed to becoming a trusted strategic partner for global clients through high-quality customized solutions. Free samples are available upon request; please contact us at: contact@summitingredients.com.

(Note: The research findings mentioned above are sourced from PMC, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and other authoritative journals. The relevant conclusions are for reference only. People with special physical conditions are advised to consult professionals before use.)