.

The evidence

The science
behind PowerV

Every key ingredient in PowerV is backed by published research. Here are the studies and sources, cited in full, organized by ingredient.

Astaxanthin

Nishida, Y., Yamashita, E., & Miki, W. (2007). Quenching activities of common hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidants against singlet oxygen using chemiluminescence detection system. Carotenoid Science, 11, 16–20.

cyanotech.com/pdfs/bioastin/batl40.pdf

Fakhri, S., Abbaszadeh, F., Jorjani, M., & Pourghadamyari, H. (2022). The Role of Astaxanthin as a Nutraceutical in Health and Age-Related Conditions. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 13, 965554.

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9655540

This review notes that astaxanthin may be up to 6,000 times more powerful than vitamin C in singlet oxygen quenching, citing its superior antioxidant activity.

Tominaga, K., Hongo, N., Karato, M., & Yamashita, E. (2012). Protective effects of astaxanthin on skin deterioration. Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition, 51(2), 102–107.

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3917268

A double-blind clinical study found that oral supplementation with astaxanthin improved the appearance of skin elasticity, fine lines, and overall skin texture over 16 weeks.

Ambati, R.R., Phang, S.M., Ravi, S., & Aswathanarayana, R.G. (2014). Astaxanthin: Sources, extraction, stability, biological activities and its commercial applications, a review. Marine Drugs, 12(1), 128–152.

doi.org/10.3390/md12010128

A comprehensive review discussing astaxanthin's antioxidant potency relative to vitamin C.

Zhang, J., Wang, X., Vikash, V., Ye, Q., Wu, D., Liu, Y., & Dong, W. (2016). ROS and ROS-mediated cellular signaling. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2016.

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4663357

Explains astaxanthin's role in neutralizing reactive oxygen species and supporting skin health at the cellular level.

Kim, J.H., Nam, S.W., & Kim, B. (2020). Protective effect of ascorbic acid and astaxanthin on oxidative stress in ARPE-19 cells. Antioxidants, 9(11), 1059.

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7556018

Astaxanthin was shown to reduce oxidative stress and improve cell viability compared to ascorbic acid.

Beta-Glucan

Kim, H.O., Kim, J.H., Baek, S.H., & Hong, S.P. (2016). The effects of beta-glucan on human skin: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Journal of Dermatological Science, 84(2), 208–210.

doi.org/10.1016/j.jdermsci.2016.08.015

Demonstrated improved hydration and elasticity in 8 weeks from topical beta-glucan application.

Schaefer, J., et al. (2011). Anti-Wrinkle Therapy: Significant New Findings in the Non-Invasive Cosmetic Treatment of Skin Wrinkles with Beta-Glucan. ResearchGate.

researchgate.net/publication/227527409

This clinical study found that topical application of beta-glucan led to significant reductions in the look of wrinkle depth and height after 8 weeks.

Jung, Y., et al. (2021). Probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus Improves Skin Barrier Function by Enhancing Tight Junction Proteins and Reducing Transepidermal Water Loss. Frontiers in Microbiology, 12, 634.

frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2021.634

Demonstrated that supplementation improved skin barrier function by enhancing tight junction proteins and reducing transepidermal water loss.

Improvement in Skin Hydration, Elasticity, and Firmness with Polysaccharides from Volvariella volvacea.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11356820

A cream containing these polysaccharides improved skin hydration, elasticity, and firmness, with reductions in roughness, flakiness, and the look of wrinkles after 8 weeks of regular application.

Ceramides

Denda, M., Sato, J., Masuda, Y., et al. (1998). Hydration-induced activation of epidermal proliferation and acceleration of barrier recovery. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 111(2), 154–158.

doi.org/10.1046/j.1523-1747.1998.00278.x

Supports ceramides' role in accelerating barrier recovery through hydration.

Rousel, J., et al. (2024). Guselkumab Treatment Normalizes the Stratum Corneum Ceramide Profile and Alleviates Barrier Dysfunction in Psoriasis: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Lipid Research, 65(3), 500–510.

jlr.org/content/65/3/500

In this randomized controlled trial, treatment normalized the ceramide profile, leading to improvements in skin barrier function.

Chamlin, S.L., et al. (2022). Clinical Study on Itching Relief Caused by Dry Skin of Cosmetics Containing Ceramide NP and Guaiazulene. Smart Healthcare Products Journal, 3(1), 1–9.

researchgate.net/publication/355003012

Topical Ceramide NP formulations were associated with an 89.8% improvement in skin hydration and an 11% reduction in transepidermal water loss (TEWL) after 2 weeks, with itch severity decreasing by 66.2% after 2 weeks and 83.9% after 4 weeks.

Squalane

Lin, T.K., Zhong, L., & Santiago, J.L. (2017). Squalene and its derivatives in cosmetics: Uses, regulatory status, and dermatological benefits. Molecules, 22(6), 1019.

doi.org/10.3390/molecules22061019

Details how squalane supports elasticity, barrier health, moisture retention, and non-comedogenic hydration.

Cosmoderma (2021). Daily Use of a Bakuchiol and Squalane-Containing Face Serum Impacts Skin Esthetics. Cosmoderma.

cosmoderma.org/daily-use-of-a-bakuchiol-and-squalane-containing-face-serum

Regular application of a squalane-containing serum was associated with an 11.9% improvement in the look of skin elasticity after 4 weeks.

Plant Stem Cells

Schmid, D., & Zülli, F. (2010). Plant stem cell extract for longevity of skin and hair. SOFW Journal, 136(5), 30–35.

mibellebiochemistry.com (PDF)

This paper discusses the properties of patented plant stem cell actives in supporting the look of skin density and firmness, and helping defend against the appearance of environmental aging.

About these references. The studies listed here are published research on the individual ingredients used in PowerV, cited for transparency and further reading. They describe research on those ingredients, some in topical and some in oral or in vitro settings, and are not studies of the finished PowerV product. Ingredient research does not constitute a claim that the finished product produces the same outcomes, and individual results vary. PowerV is a cosmetic and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, prevent, heal, or reverse any disease or skin condition. Statements describe cosmetic and appearance-related qualities only. Links lead to third-party sources that PowerV does not control; please refer to each original publication for full detail.