An Insight on Ellagic Acid Formulations for the Management of Skin Diseases

November 2025 in “ Molecules ”

Rebecca Castellacci, Maria Camilla Bergonzi

ellagic acid polyphenol antioxidant anti-inflammatory depigmenting acne eczema hyperpigmentation melanoma photoaging oxidative stress collagen elastin nano-delivery systems vesicles nanoparticles nanosheets

Studysummary This review highlights the potential of ellagic acid for treating various skin conditions due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and depigmenting properties, but notes that novel formulations are needed to overcome its poor solubility and skin permeability to enhance clinical efficacy. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

Ellagic acid (EA) is a polyphenol with potential benefits for managing skin diseases due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and depigmenting properties. However, its clinical efficacy is limited by low solubility, instability, and poor skin permeability. Various formulations, including nano-delivery systems like vesicles and nanoparticles, have been developed to enhance EA's therapeutic effects. These advancements aim to improve EA's pharmacokinetic profile and effectiveness in treating conditions such as melanoma, acne, psoriasis, and androgenic alopecia. Despite promising preclinical results, further clinical trials are necessary to confirm EA's efficacy and optimize its formulations for human use.

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