PrysmScannerShort answer
Prysm iO builds on more than 20 years of skin carotenoid research. Nu Skin reports a strong link between Prysm iO readings and blood carotenoids, and a 46 person controlled study showed it tracks changes like the earlier BioPhotonic Scanner. Independent research on optical skin carotenoid measurement is extensive.
Prysm iO studies
Blood correlation study (Draelos lab)
Dermatologist Dr Zoe Draelos compared Prysm iO readings with participants' blood carotenoid levels and found a strong, consistent link. Reported by NewBeauty and Nu Skin.
Prysm iO vs BioPhotonic Scanner S3, 46 adults
Randomised, double blind, placebo controlled. Both devices showed similar carotenoid tracking, with 43 to 46% increases in skin carotenoids after 12 weeks in supplemented participants. Sponsor: Nu Skin.
NCT07380438: LifePak Optimum supplement trial
Randomised, triple masked, placebo controlled trial of a carotenoid containing supplement over 8 weeks, with the skin carotenoid score measured by Prysm iO. Sponsor: Pharmanex. Status: completed.
NCT07198503: Carotenoid Based Instrumental Index
Observational study of about 600 adults in Shanghai using the new Prysm device, linking skin carotenoid levels to diet, lifestyle, body composition and skin measurements. Run by ChinaNorm with Nu Skin.
Independent research on skin carotenoid scanning
- Resonance Raman skin carotenoids correlate with plasma carotenoids (r = 0.62) and skin biopsy carotenoids (r = 0.66).
- Reflection spectroscopy (Veggie Meter) correlates with plasma carotenoids at about r = 0.81 and closely with Raman results.
- Reflection spectroscopy detected changes in carotenoid intake in a 6 week randomised controlled feeding trial.
- Readings are reliable on repeat scans, with more variation at higher skin melanin levels.
Common questions
Is there independent research on Prysm iO?
Most Prysm iO specific studies are sponsored by Nu Skin, including registered trials on ClinicalTrials.gov. The scientific basis, measuring carotenoids in skin optically, is supported by a large body of independent research on Raman and reflection spectroscopy devices.
Where can I read the Prysm iO trial registrations?
Search ClinicalTrials.gov for NCT07380438 and NCT07198503, linked below.
Sources
- NewBeauty: Nu Skin Prysm iO review
- Nu Skin press release, 18 Dec 2025: Nu Skin Unveils Prysm iO
- Nu Skin press release, 2 Apr 2026: Nu Skin Launches Prysm iO
- ClinicalTrials.gov NCT07380438: supplement study measured with Prysm iO
- ClinicalTrials.gov NCT07198503: Carotenoid-Based Instrumental Index study (Prysm device)
- Jilcott Pitts et al.: reflection spectroscopy validity vs plasma carotenoids (PMC8754514)
- Vegetable enriched bread pilot study, Veggie Meter vs plasma (PMC10261728)
- Journal of Nutrition: Veggie Meter sensitivity in a 6 week feeding trial (PMC10356992)
- Reliability of pressure mediated reflection spectroscopy (Cambridge Core)