Rhamnose showed promise in boosting collagen production in both lab-grown and real skin, with benefits observed in the deeper skin layers most affected by aging. The ingredient appeared to help reinforce the junction between the epidermis and dermis—a key area that breaks down as skin ages.

Researchers tested rhamnose on reconstructed human skin in the lab using cells from both young and older donors, then validated findings with a clinical study on actual people.

Funding not disclosed in abstract