Lycopene: Uses, Benefits, Dosage & Safety
Last updated: June 2026 · Reviewed by the FactoWiki Editorial Team for clarity and source accuracy
Quick summary
Lycopene is the red antioxidant carotenoid in tomatoes, studied for prostate and heart health and skin sun-protection. Dietary lycopene is linked to benefits; supplement evidence is more mixed.
What is Lycopene?
Lycopene is a bright-red carotenoid pigment found in tomatoes, watermelon and pink grapefruit. It's a potent antioxidant and is marketed for prostate health, cardiovascular support and skin protection from sun damage.
What Lycopene is commonly used for
In supplements, Lycopene is most often included for prostate & urinary health, skin & anti-aging support. It is used as nutritional support, not as a treatment for any medical condition — the distinction matters, because the claims on a sales page are often stronger than the evidence allows.
How Lycopene works
As an antioxidant, lycopene neutralises free radicals and may influence inflammatory and hormonal pathways relevant to the prostate, blood vessels and skin. Cooked tomatoes (with oil) provide more absorbable lycopene than raw.
What the evidence says
Here's an honest snapshot of what published research suggests about Lycopene — including where the evidence is limited.
- Higher dietary lycopene and tomato intake are associated with lower prostate-cancer risk in observational studies, but supplement trials are mixed and less convincing. (PubMed research)
- Lycopene shows modest supportive evidence for skin sun-protection and some cardiovascular markers. (PubMed research)
Typical dosage used in studies
Studies vary; supplements often provide around 10-30 mg/day, though food sources may be preferable. This is research information for context, not a recommendation — confirm what's appropriate for you with a healthcare professional.
Side effects and safety
Very well tolerated; very high intakes can harmlessly tint the skin orange (lycopenodermia).
Medication interactions and who should avoid Lycopene
Medication & safety check
Low interaction risk; it's fat-soluble and best absorbed with dietary fat.
This is general information, not personal medical advice. If you take any medication, confirm it's safe to combine with Lycopene with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Sources & further reading
The summary above is drawn from peer-reviewed research and authoritative references. For general, authoritative background you can also consult:
- PubMed research on Lycopene
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
- NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
- MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine)
Frequently asked questions
Does lycopene protect the prostate?
Higher dietary intake is linked to lower prostate-cancer risk, but supplement trials are mixed.
Are tomatoes a good source?
Yes — especially cooked tomatoes with a little oil, which improve absorption.
Does lycopene help skin?
It has modest evidence for supporting skin's resilience to sun damage.
Is lycopene safe?
Very — extremely high intakes may just harmlessly tint the skin.
Supplements that contain Lycopene
On FactoWiki, Lycopene appears in these reviewed products. Each review breaks down the full formula, pricing and safety.
- ProstaPeak — Prostate & Urinary Health
Related ingredients to explore
Ingredients often studied or formulated alongside Lycopene — useful for understanding the full picture of a formula.