As the nutraceutical market continues to evolve, the “beauty-from-within” segment is seeing increased interest due to growing consumer demand for visible improvements in skin appearance through dietary supplementation. However, the regulatory framework for appearance-related claims remains complex. In the European Union, only health claims referring to physiological functions fall under the scope of the Nutrition and Health Claims Regulation (NHCR – EC 1924/2006). To support responsible communication in this space, Food Supplements Europe (FSE) published the Guidelines for the Substantiation of Beauty Claims for Food Supplements in 2014. These guidelines provide a framework for claims that lie outside the NHCR — that is, claims referring not to internal physiological effects but to externally observable or subjectively perceivable changes in physical appearance.

According to the FSE framework, beauty claims must:

• be supported by scientific evidence with statistical significance.
• refer to outcomes that are externally observable by using instrumental methods.
• avoid implying effects on internal or physiological functions.

RED ORANGE COMPLEX® H is a standardized extract obtained from three Sicilian blood orange cultivars — Moro, Tarocco, and Sanguinello (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck). Its efficacy in supporting skin appearance has been evaluated in several randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. A recent clinical study involving 110 healthy volunteers (Caucasian and Asian women aged 35–55) investigated the impact of daily supplementation (100 mg/day for 56 days) on visible signs of photoaging and skin texture.

The results demonstrated significant improvements in appearance-related parameters, including wrinkle depth, skin roughness, radiance, brightness, hydration, and elasticity. The appearance of dark spots was also reduced, becoming less intense and more evenly distributed. Additionally, participants reported improvements in skin freshness and vitality, consistent with a reduction in visible signs of fatigue. These findings were assessed using validated instrumental tools (such as corneometry, cutometry, structured light profilometry, and colorimetric methods), as well as self-assessment questionnaires — ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of both objective and perceived changes.

Based on these results and in line with FSE guidelines, the following appearance-related claims may be communicated:

• Contributes to maintaining skin hydration for a softer and smoother appearance
• Supports skin elasticity, helping to maintain a firmer appearance
• Contributes to maintaining skin radiance
• Helps reduce the appearance of dark spots, promoting a more even skin tone
• Helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles, contributing to smoother and younger-looking skin
• Helps reduce signs of skin fatigue, supporting a fresher and more revitalised appearance
• Helps reduce visible signs of skin ageing, including the appearance of wrinkles, elasticity, and hydration
• Efficacy supported by clinical and instrumental evaluations through visible and measurable results

These claims refer exclusively to the appearance of the skin and do not imply any effect on physiological or biological functions. As such, they are consistent with the scope of the FSE guidelines and reflect a transparent, evidence-based communication strategy within the beauty-from-within segment.

Reference
Nobile V, Burioli A, Yu S, Zhifeng S, Cestone E, Insolia V, Zaccaria V, Malfa GA. Photoprotective and Antiaging Effects of a Standardized Red Orange (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) Extract in Asian and Caucasian Subjects: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Study. Nutrients. 2022 May 27;14(11):2241. doi: 10.3390/nu14112241