Antioxidant
Lycopene
Also known as: Lycopene (from tomato extract), tomato lycopene, carotenoid, Tomato extract
Lycopene is a potent red carotenoid from tomatoes and other red fruits with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, particularly studied for cardiovascular and prostate health. It is one of the most biologically active dietary carotenoids.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every Lycopene product we have scored
| # | Product | Score | Per serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pure Encapsulations Lycopene 20 mg | 91 A | $1.19 |
| 2 | Thorne Advanced Nutrients | 88 A | $2.40 |
| 3 | Thorne Basic Nutrients 2/Day | 88 A | $0.60 |
| 4 | Thorne Men's Multi 50+ | 88 A | $1.87 |
| 5 | Garden of Life Vitamin Code 50 & Wiser Men | 86 A- | $1.14 |
| 6 | Pure Encapsulations Energize Plus Pure Pack | 85 A- | $2.50 |
| 7 | Pure Encapsulations Multi t/d | 85 A- | $0.60 |
| 8 | Garden of Life Vitamin Code Men | 85 A- | $1.02 |
| 9 | Garden of Life Vitamin Code Family | 85 A- | $1.33 |
| 10 | Pure Encapsulations SP Ultimate | 84 A- | $2.23 |
| 11 | Pure Encapsulations Longevity Nutrients | 84 A- | $1.20 |
| 12 | Pure Encapsulations O.N.E. Multivitamin | 83 A- | $0.83 |
Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing. Per-serving cost is list price divided by servings per container. No brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Common questions
How much Lycopene should I take?
The typical range is 10–30 mg daily. Steady-state tissue accumulation requires 2–4 weeks; prostate and cardiovascular benefits may require 8–12 weeks
When should I take Lycopene?
With meals containing dietary fat. Critical for absorption—lycopene is lipophilic; cis-lycopene (heat-treated forms) may have superior bioavailability.
Which form of Lycopene is best?
Tomato extract — Natural source. Other forms in the catalog: Softgels, Synthetic lycopene, Lycopene isolate (beadlet or oleoresin).
Which Lycopene supplement scores highest?
Pure Encapsulations Lycopene 20 mg, at 91/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Primary uses
- Prostate cancer prevention
- Prostate health
- Antioxidant
- Cardiovascular health support
- Anti-inflammatory support
What systematic reviews concluded
Outcomes that systematic reviews of Lycopene reached a verdict on: 6 with a benefit, 2 with no effect. Each is quoted from a review and linked to it on PubMed. How these were read.
Reviews found a benefit (6)
“This systematic review/meta-analysis with limited and moderate certainty evidence suggests that the continuous intake of lycopene-containing products may have beneficial effects on vascular endothelial function in healthy adults.” PMID 42588128 · 2 reviews
“Carotenoid supplementation might be beneficial in reducing liver enzymes, especially in non-healthy participants and in those with a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2.” PMID 41437050
“Lycopene supplementation significantly improved sperm concentration (SMD 0.33, 95% CI [0.02-0.65], p = 0.037) and nonprogressive motility (SMD 0.45, 95% CI [0.04-0.87], p = 0.032).” PMID 40806357
“lower serum concentrations of α-carotene, β-carotene, and lycopene were associated with a higher risk of liver disease.” PMID 39229651
“supplementation with tomato and lycopene could reduce skin erythema formation and improve the appearance and pigmentation of the skin, thereby preventing light-induced skin photodamage and skin photoaging.” PMID 36606553
“The available evidence on the effects of tomato products and lycopene supplementation on CV risk factors supports the view that increasing the intake of these has positive effects on blood lipids, blood pressure and endothelial function.” PMID 28129549
Reviews found no effect (2)
“with no consistent effects on body weight or BMI” PMID 42300210
“The evidence gathered within the systematic review of RCTs did not confirm any influence of lycopene on mental health.” PMID 40507061
How it works
- Singlet oxygen quenching and free radical scavenging
- Inhibition of cell proliferation pathways
- Anti-inflammatory via NF-κB pathway modulation
- LDL oxidation prevention
Dosage
- Typical range
- 10–30 mg daily
- Timing
- With meals containing dietary fat
- With food
- Critical for absorption—lycopene is lipophilic; cis-lycopene (heat-treated forms) may have superior bioavailability
- Duration
- Steady-state tissue accumulation requires 2–4 weeks; prostate and cardiovascular benefits may require 8–12 weeks
- Special populations
- Safe in pregnancy; no pediatric contraindications
Forms
- Tomato extract
- Softgels
- Synthetic lycopene
- Lycopene isolate (beadlet or oleoresin)· 70/100
Safety
Products containing Lycopene
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Lycopene on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Evidence notes
Good epidemiological and mechanistic evidence; observational studies show associations with cardiovascular and prostate health. RCT evidence is moderate but supports benefits at 10–30 mg/day. Bioavailability is enhanced with heat and dietary fat.
Grade B: Some human trials support key claims; further confirmation needed.
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Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.