7 Best C60 Oil Supplements: What Does Human Evidence Show?

C60 Health & Longevity Benefits

Despite its status as a Nobel Prize-winning molecule, C60 hasn’t received the deserved attention or research.

Many of the studies have used animal models. The science is also muddied by certain parties conflating pharmaceutical-grade and industrial C60. The majority of the negative findings, unsurprisingly, came from trials using industrial C60.

So it takes a discerning eye to comb through the literature and note the effects of ultra-purity C60 exclusively.

From my research, the major benefits of quality C60 include:

• Improved immunity
• Lifespan extension
• Protecting organs and bodily systems
• Aesthetics and beauty (skin vitality, hair color, and growth)
• Energy
• Memory and mental clarity
• Endurance & athletic performance
• Recovery

Of all the benefits, most stem from C60’s powerful reduction of excess oxidative stress.

Now, we will dig into each of C60’s many health & performance benefits.

Before we do, just a quick note. Look into the research for your intended use case. On popular podcasts, I keep hearing a claim that C60 is “great for hormone health, libido, and stimulates the production of pregnenolone”. After an intensive search, I couldn’t find a single study to back up that claim.

Vendors often speculate and portray their own narratives as fact.

Anti-aging & longevity

Longevity, lifespan, and anti-aging are the largest market for C60 supplements. Current research puts this molecule in a league of its own.

If reproduced, this will be the world’s best longevity supplement.

So far, the longevity mechanisms of C60 include:

• Directly and indirectly, increasing lifespan
• Blunting oxidative stress
• Protecting organs from damage
• Normalizing biomarkers like blood pressure

Famously, a 2012 study showed that rats administered C60 in olive oil daily lived over 90% longer than the control group. Unfortunately, we do not know how long they would have lived because researchers ceased their dosing after the last of the placebo rats died [R].

A previous 2008 mouse study showed an analog of C60 both increases lifespan and rescues age-related cognitive decline [R].

One powerful review study reviewed the mechanisms and benefits behind C60, finding it works as a “free radical sponge” to improve a wide variety of health markers [R].

Skin is also an important organ for longevity. Skin damage causes inflammation and increased senescent cell burden. A 2010 study of human skin cells showed that C60 protected against UV damage [R].

The most recent 2021 mouse study found that the group treated with C60 maintained their health better than the control groups (and increased their lifespans). [R].

Another in vitro study showed that it protects against some of the damage caused by toxins [R].

So far, only one trial found no lifespan-improving effect, and they do not disclose their C60 sources [R].

Energy & mitochondria

C60 optimizes mitochondrial health and improves energy levels. Some claim that C60 “resets mitochondrial to a younger state” [R].

Mitochondria are the source of cellular energy, and thus life. When energy production falters or loses efficiency, the entire body suffers. Different bodily functions and organ systems slow their activity to cater to the energy available.

One of the core drivers of suboptimal mitochondrial function is excess damage. Like a car, generating energy results in “exhaust” byproducts. This oxidative stress reduces mitochondrial efficiency. Superoxide dismutases (SOD) are a family of enzymes that neutralize oxidative stress.

C60 works like SOD to reduce mitochondrial damage [R].

It stays within the lipid bilayers of mitochondria and cells. Exerting cytoprotection and ROS-buffering benefits for weeks.

Overall, this matches the often reported but slight energy-boosting effects of supplemental C60.

Skin & hair

After C60’s longevity benefits, this super supplement often comes up in discussions of substances for aesthetics.

C60’s purported beauty benefits include:

• Improved hair growth
• Improved hair color
• Reduced hair loss
• Fewer wrinkles
• Less fine lines in the skin
• Skin radiance and vitality

This is from topically-applied C60-infused skin serums. Although few companies make them, the ones that do get rave results.

These benefits likely stem from its antioxidant properties. A few studies have investigated C60’s effect on hair and skin.

Topical C60 appears to protect the cells surrounding hair follicles from oxidative stress, thereby slowing hair loss and even promoting hair growth [R].

A double-blind human study published in 2010 found that C60 combats wrinkles and synergizes well with laser light therapy [R].

More recently, a Japanese research company tested C60 on a small group of men and concluded, “It became clear that hair growth rate became 16% faster by as early as after six months. From this result, it was confirmed that fullerene could increase hair growth rate” [R].

I expect my hair and skin care products to incorporate C60 as the data continues to show impressive efficacy.

Athletic performance & recovery

C60 has several properties that make it interesting to athletes.

First, it improves the health and function of mitochondria and increases energy output [R].

Among the largest challenges athletes face, oxidative stress can increase 3-fold after intense exercise. This naturally results from the dramatically increased energetic demand. At the same time, the oxidative burden significantly slows down workout recovery.

But here’s the thing. The body uses some free radicals as key signaling molecules to induce hormetic (beneficial) adaptations to training. That’s why supplementing classic antioxidants (vitamin C) can interfere with muscle building.

C60 does not. And at the same time, It’s 125-172-fold more powerful.

Additionally, a rat study showed that C60 increases muscular endurance and reduces recovery time[R].

One of my friends, an ultra-marathon runner, logs his performance data with and without C60. He sees significantly improved times (and recovery) from usage.

Radiation & EMF protection

Carbon 60’s powerful antioxidant effects make it a contender for protection against multiple forms of radiation.

Both ionizing and non-ionizing. Some scientists speculate that it could even beat iodine for offsetting radiation exposure.

Radiation often disrupts the mitochondria, and a mouse study showed C60 conferred protection [R].

Unsurprisingly, a 2009 study pitting it against ionizing X-ray radiation concluded, “… [C60] may be considered as a novel antioxidant agent, which substantially diminishes the harmful effects of ionizing radiation.” [R].

Certain spectrums of sunlight also contain ionizing radiation, and C60 has shown protective effects.

While there is virtually zero research on non-native non-ionizing EMFs (electrosmog) and C60, it stands to reason that supplementing can help. One of the primary mechanisms behind the toxicity of EMF radiation exposure is a dramatic increase in free radicals.

C60’s potent antioxidant effects make likely to help mitigate the oxidative damage caused by non-EMFs, including 5G.

Immune rebalancing

Is there a link between healthy immunity and C60?

Several papers suggest so.

In 2013, from an in vitro experiment, researchers concluded that a modified version of C60 may inhibit the flu virus [R].

Another showed that C60 can stimulate TNF-alpha, which improves the elimination of foreign cells. Plus, it helps increase the production of T cells and macrophages (white blood cells) which improve immune response [R].

Those with allergies may be pleased to learn that C60 can help.

This paper found that C60 may help control histamine, cytokine storms, and mast cell activity, leading to improvements in “… asthma, inflammatory arthritis, heart disease, and multiple sclerosis.” [R].

Bones, joints, connective tissue

What about the relationship between connective tissue health and C60?

Although not traditionally known for aiding bone and cartilage function, some research suggests it’s beneficial.

Bones lose density and become more prone to problems with age. Calcium, the typical recommendation for “strong bones”, doesn’t actually help. C60, on the other hand, might.

Animal and cell studies show that C60 can prevent stress-induced bone breakdown and protect against bone cell loss and inflammation. It also increases cartilage production and protects it from premature cell death [R].

A trial found that C60 also helps prevent bone destruction in patients with arthritis [R].

Neuroprotective

Neurohackers are especially interested in Carbon 60 fullerenes due to their potential protective mechanisms.

A study showed that C60 protected nerves against excitotoxicity (”working too hard”) and apoptosis. Again, the mechanism appears to be mediated through neutralizing oxidative stress [R].

Another concluded C60 should act as a powerful neuroprotectant by buffering superoxide radicals, although this was a computer model and not a clinical trial [R].

Cognition & brain function

Improving neuroprotection can indirectly improve cognition, but what about other effects?

Surprisingly, a few studies have substantiated the mental acuity improvements that biomarkers sometimes report.

One of the papers that reported mice lifespan improvements from supplementing C60 also found that it improved their cognitive performance [R].

A 2014 rat study concluded, “Our results reveal a striking and highly unexpected ability of Nano C60 in positively modulating learning and memory” [R].

Plus, several other animal models report potentially improved learning and memory in those with cognitive impairment [R,R].

Sleep

The last few benefits I couldn’t find data regarding the benefits, but these are common anecdotal reports. Some of which, I’ve experienced.

I notice that during the weeks I use C60, especially in conjunction with Brown’s Gas, I sleep better. Deeper and for longer, with fewer wake-ups throughout the night (according to my wearables).

The magnitude of the effect isn’t huge. My Oura shows about an 8% increase in slow-wave sleep and about 12% fewer wakings.

I use C60 along with my other top powerful sleep supplements.

Vision

Vision uses a considerable amount of energy. Therefore, it requires lots of mitochondria.

Sometimes, those with poor vision have suboptimal mitochondrial health. Often caused by excess oxidative damage.

If that’s the case, C60’s potent antioxidant properties may improve eyesight.

For the best effects, it should be combined with other essential nutrients, proper sun exposure, and potentially a holistic vision improvement course.

Pet health

Much of the C60 research has occurred in animals. Not only is it safe, but it can be quite powerful for all pets.

When I get a dog, I plan to put them on a clean diet and supplement routine. Considering all the data, I’ll certainly include C60.

The best form of the oil and dosage vary by animal.

C60 is becoming quite popular with pet owners to help their companions live the highest quality lives possible.

Just like with humans, you’ll want to check with your vet first if your pet is on any medications or is pregnant.