Effect of oral intake of lactic acid bacterium fermented rice germ extract (LFRGE) on human skin: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study

The skin serves as a vital barrier but is vulnerable to aging from UV exposure and oxidative stress. Lactic acid bacterium fermented rice germ extract (LFRGE), rich in gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), has been shown to modulate key skin markers such as MMP-1, Filaggrin, and AQP3. In this 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 111 participants were enrolled to evaluate the safety and anti-aging efficacy of LFRGE. Compared with placebo, the LFRGE group showed significant improvements in wrinkle severity, skin elasticity, hydration, dermal density, and turnover, along with reduced transepidermal water loss (TEWL). No adverse events occurred, confirming good tolerability. These findings indicate that LFRGE may be a safe and effective functional ingredient for improving skin condition and delaying age-related decline. Broader studies across diverse populations are warranted to further validate its potential for use in health and beauty applications.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-025-02075-8.