Caviar Extract
Fish roe extract; studies used sturgeon roe. Data on MMPs and signs of photoaging come only from cells and mice; there are no controlled studies on human skin. The caviar protein vitellogenin is a food allergen
Evidence by route
Topical application
Data on anti-aging and moisturizing effects come only from cells and mice: MMPs fell, hyaluronic acid rose, and mice showed fewer signs of photoaging. There are no controlled studies of topical use on human skin, so there are no human data on moisture, firmness or 'nourishment'. The caviar protein vitellogenin is a food allergen, so caution is reasonable with fish or roe allergy
- C
Anti-aging
Lower MMP levels in cells and fewer signs of photoaging in mice come from lab work; there are no controlled human studies with topical use
- C
Moisturizing
Enzyme-treated caviar powder raised hyaluronic acid and sphingomyelin in UVB-exposed keratinocytes, but skin moisture after topical use has not been measured in people
- D
Skin nourishment and firmness
'Nourishment' is not a measurable outcome, and firmness after applying caviar extract on its own has not been studied
- Lee KE et al. Caviar Extract and Its Constituent DHA Inhibits UVB-Irradiated Skin Aging by Inducing Adiponectin Production. Int J Mol Sci. 2020;21(9). PMID 32403430
- Kou Y et al. Caviar extract inhibits skin photoaging by activating skin stem cells through NF-κB/MMPs/COL17A1 axis. Photochem Photobiol. 2025;101(3):683-696. PMID 39627162
- Park J et al. Enzyme-Treated Caviar Prevents UVB Irradiation-Induced Skin Photoaging. Mar Drugs. 2022;20(11). PMID 36355008
- Perez-Gordo M et al. Identification of vitellogenin as an allergen in Beluga caviar allergy. Allergy. 2008;63(4):479-80. PMID 18315737
How to read tiers A–F
- CWeak evidence. In vitro data, open-label studies, or expert consensus
- DNo data, or very weak or conflicting data
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Moderate
- Pregnancy
- Unknown
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Caviar extract is made from fish roe; the published studies used sturgeon roe. DHA is one of the main components of its phospholipids (Lee 2020). All data on its action come from cells and mice. In cell culture, caviar extract and DHA increased adiponectin production by fat cells, and medium from these cells lowered MMP-1 gene expression in UVB-exposed fibroblasts (Lee 2020). An extract made with acid protease reduced NF-κB, MMP-3 and MMP-9 in UVA-exposed keratinocytes and lessened photoaging in mice (Kou 2025). Enzyme-treated caviar powder raised hyaluronic acid and sphingomyelin in keratinocytes; mice received it as a supplement (Park 2022). Some authors of Lee 2020 and Park 2022 work for a cosmetics company, and in Park 2022 also for a caviar producer. There are no controlled studies of caviar extract applied to human skin, so its effect on moisture, firmness or wrinkles in people is unknown. Irritation and sensitization from topical use have not been studied either. The caviar protein vitellogenin was identified as an allergen in food allergy to beluga caviar (Perez-Gordo 2008). Whether this matters for skin contact is unknown, but people with fish or roe allergy have reason for caution. There are no data on use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Frequently asked questions
Is Caviar Extract safe during pregnancy?
Safety data for Caviar Extract during pregnancy is insufficient. Best avoided when in doubt.
What skin types is Caviar Extract for?
Caviar Extract suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Caviar Extract and what does it do in cosmetics?
Fish roe extract; studies used sturgeon roe.
What's the INCI name for Caviar Extract?
The INCI name is Caviar Extract.
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