Utilization and Bio-Efficacy of Carotenoids, Vitamin A and Its Vitaminoids in Nutricosmetics, Cosmeceuticals, and Cosmetics’ Applications with Skin-Health Promoting Properties

Following the significant advancement in the cosmetic field over the past few decades, carotenoids, vitamin A, and vitaminoids have emerged as pivotal components in the formulation of cosmetic products due to their diverse bioactive properties. Delving into a general approach on vitamin A and its derivatives’ structure, activity, biochemical way of action, and benefits, their role towards promoting mainly skin health is thoroughly detailed. For this purpose, vitamin A, vitaminoids, and carotenoids of animal, marine, plant, herb, and microorganism sources were extensively reviewed in order to evaluate their health benefits regarding skin protection. Vitamin A and its derivatives of any source heavily contributed to specific skin-related functions, including their anti-aging, skin regeneration, wound healing, hyperpigmentation, and acne treatment activity, by primarily supporting hydration, skin elasticity, and barrier repair. This review also entails recent advances in the delivery systems of these compounds, such as microencapsulation and nanoemulsions, while their potential side effects are addressed as well. Ultimately, limitations and future perspectives of vitamin A, vitaminoids, and carotenoids, considering their utilization in nutricosmetic, cosmeceutical, and cosmetic products, are further discussed.