Researchers tested whether a daily supplement containing hyaluronic acid and wheat oil could help reduce wrinkles and improve skin appearance. In a 12-week study with 63 adults aged 26-64, people taking the supplement showed real improvements in crow’s feet wrinkles, skin smoothness, and hydration compared to those taking a placebo pill. Dermatologists confirmed the improvements using specialized equipment. By week 8, people taking the supplement noticed their skin looked smoother and more radiant, and these benefits continued through week 12. This suggests that taking this specific oral supplement may be a non-invasive way to address multiple signs of aging skin.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a daily oral supplement containing hyaluronic acid and wheat oil extract could reduce wrinkles and improve skin quality in adults.
  • Who participated: 63 healthy adults between ages 26 and 64 years old from a diverse racial and ethnic background. About half received the supplement and half received a placebo (fake pill) that looked identical.
  • Key finding: After 12 weeks, people taking the supplement had significantly fewer crow’s feet wrinkles, smoother skin, and better skin hydration compared to the placebo group. These improvements started showing at week 8 and continued improving through week 12.
  • What it means for you: If you’re concerned about wrinkles and skin aging, this supplement may help reduce visible signs of aging when taken daily for at least 8 weeks. However, results vary by person, and this is just one study. Talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement.

The Research Details

This was a randomized controlled trial, which is considered one of the strongest types of scientific studies. Researchers randomly divided 63 adults into two groups: one group took a daily oral supplement containing hyaluronic acid and wheat oil extract, while the other group took a placebo (a pill that looked identical but had no active ingredients). Neither the participants nor the researchers knew who was taking the real supplement until the study ended—this is called “double-blind” and helps prevent bias.

The study lasted 12 weeks, and researchers measured skin changes using two methods: specialized equipment that objectively measured wrinkles, smoothness, hydration, and elasticity, and trained dermatologists (skin doctors) who visually examined the skin and rated improvements. Participants also reported their own observations about changes in their skin.

This design is powerful because the placebo group acts as a comparison, showing what happens when people don’t take the supplement. Any improvements in the supplement group beyond what the placebo group experienced can be attributed to the supplement itself.

Using a placebo control group is crucial because people often perceive improvements in their skin just from paying attention to it or believing a treatment will work—this is called the placebo effect. By comparing the supplement group to a placebo group, researchers can determine whether real physical changes occurred. Having dermatologists evaluate skin objectively (using measurements and visual assessment) rather than relying only on what people report makes the findings more trustworthy and scientifically valid.

This study has several strengths: it used a randomized design (reducing bias), included a placebo control group, was double-blind (neither participants nor researchers knew assignments), measured skin objectively with equipment and expert evaluation, and included a diverse population. The sample size of 63 is moderate—large enough to show real effects but not huge. The 12-week timeframe is reasonable for seeing skin changes. One limitation is that the study only lasted 12 weeks, so we don’t know if benefits continue longer or if they fade after stopping the supplement.

What the Results Show

The supplement group showed significant improvements starting at week 8 and continuing through week 12. Specifically, crow’s feet wrinkles (the lines around the eyes) were noticeably reduced in the supplement group compared to placebo. Skin smoothness improved in both the face and overall appearance, with measurements showing objective improvements that dermatologists could confirm.

Skin hydration (moisture content) and elasticity (how well skin bounces back) increased significantly in the supplement group, particularly in the leg area where measurements were taken. These improvements were measurable using specialized equipment, not just based on how people felt.

Dermatologists who examined participants’ skin found significant reductions in both deep wrinkles and fine lines in the supplement group from the beginning to the end of the 12-week period. By week 12, a larger percentage of people in the supplement group reported noticing improvements in fine lines and wrinkles, skin radiance (that healthy glow), skin resilience (firmness), and overall signs of aging compared to the placebo group.

Beyond wrinkles, the supplement appeared to improve overall skin quality. Participants reported their skin looked more radiant and felt more resilient. The improvements in skin hydration and elasticity suggest the supplement may work by helping skin retain moisture and maintain its structural integrity. The fact that benefits appeared in multiple areas (face and legs) suggests the supplement may work throughout the body, not just on the face.

This study aligns with previous research showing that hyaluronic acid and plant-based oils can support skin health when taken orally. Hyaluronic acid is known to help skin retain moisture, and wheat oil contains nutrients that support skin structure. However, most previous studies on oral supplements for skin have been smaller or less rigorous. This randomized, placebo-controlled trial provides stronger evidence than many earlier studies, though more research is still needed to confirm these findings in larger populations and over longer time periods.

The study lasted only 12 weeks, so we don’t know if improvements continue beyond that or how long benefits last after stopping the supplement. The sample size of 63 is moderate—larger studies would provide more confidence in the results. The study included adults aged 26-64, so results may not apply to older adults or teenagers. We don’t know how the supplement compares to other anti-aging treatments or skincare products. Individual results likely vary, and some people may see more improvement than others. The study was funded by a company with interest in the supplement’s success, which could introduce bias, though the double-blind design helps minimize this.

The Bottom Line

Based on this study, taking an oral supplement containing hyaluronic acid and wheat oil extract may help reduce wrinkles and improve skin smoothness, hydration, and elasticity over 8-12 weeks. However, this is based on one study with a moderate sample size. Confidence level: Moderate. Results suggest potential benefit, but more research is needed. If you’re interested in trying this supplement, give it at least 8 weeks to see results, and consult your doctor first, especially if you take medications or have health conditions.

This research is most relevant to adults aged 26-64 concerned about visible signs of skin aging like wrinkles, dryness, and loss of firmness. People looking for non-invasive approaches to skin aging may find this interesting. However, this supplement is not a replacement for sunscreen, moisturizer, or other basic skincare. Pregnant or nursing women, people with allergies to wheat or other ingredients, and those taking certain medications should consult their doctor before starting any supplement. This is not appropriate for children or teenagers.

Based on this study, you should expect to wait at least 8 weeks before noticing significant improvements in wrinkles and skin smoothness. The full benefits appeared by week 12. Individual results vary—some people may see changes sooner, while others may need the full 12 weeks. Skin hydration and elasticity improvements may appear at similar timeframes. Consistency matters: taking the supplement daily as directed is important for seeing results.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily supplement intake (yes/no) and rate skin appearance weekly using a simple 1-10 scale for wrinkles, smoothness, hydration, and radiance. Take photos of the same area (like crow’s feet) weekly under consistent lighting to visually compare changes over 8-12 weeks.
  • Set a daily reminder to take the supplement at the same time each day (like with breakfast). Log completion in your app to build consistency. After 8 weeks, review your weekly ratings and photos to objectively assess whether you’re seeing improvements worth continuing.
  • Create a baseline assessment at week 0 (rate current skin condition, take photos). Check in weekly with ratings and photos. At week 8, compare baseline to current state to decide if you’re seeing benefits. Continue through week 12 for full evaluation. If benefits appear, continue tracking monthly to monitor if improvements maintain or fade over time.

This research summary is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. While this study suggests potential benefits of oral skincare supplements for reducing wrinkles and improving skin quality, individual results vary significantly. Before starting any new supplement, consult with your healthcare provider, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have allergies, take medications, or have existing health conditions. Supplements are not regulated by the FDA in the same way as medications. This single study, while well-designed, represents one piece of evidence—more research is needed to fully understand long-term safety and effectiveness. This supplement should complement, not replace, established skincare practices like sun protection, moisturizing, and healthy lifestyle habits.