Ellagic Acid as a Sustainable Multifunctional Agent: Primary Effects, Mechanisms, and Skin Health Applications

Ellagic acid (EA), a natural polyphenol found in fruits like pomegranates and strawberries, has gained significant attention in skin health due to its multifaceted bioactivities, including skin depigmentation, antioxidant, anti-photoaging, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects. Sourced sustainably from agricultural by-products, EA is an environmentally friendly ingredient. This review evaluates these primary bioactivities, emphasizing its role in modulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) as a central mechanism. It also summarizes extraction strategies and advancements aimed at enhancing its bioavailability. Future research should focus on developing efficient EA nano-delivery systems to improve skin penetration. Furthermore, studies should investigate EA's mechanisms in epigenetic regulation and key signaling pathways. Advancing preclinical and clinical research is crucial to validate its efficacy against inflammatory diseases, hyperpigmentation, infections, fibrosis, and scarring. Expanding EA's use in sustainable cosmeceuticals and pharmaceuticals remains essential. These efforts are expected to increase the application value of EA in the pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical, and related health industries.