Is Carbon 60 (C60) Good for You?

Below, you’ll find a summary of what current research says about C60 and its possible health impacts.

What is C60?

C60 is the most prevalent fullerene, consisting of 60 carbon atoms arranged into a hollow, soccer ball–like structure.

Because of the particular way these atoms bond, C60 can react with environmental free radicals, giving it notable antioxidant capabilities.

Dietary antioxidants found in foods such as fruits and vegetables may help lower oxidative stress in the body, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health .

Oxidative stress is implicated in aging and in numerous health issues, including:

• neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
• cancer
• cardiovascular disease
• diabetes

Because of its antioxidant action, some individuals take C60 as a supplement, and it’s also incorporated into some anti-aging topical products.

C60 Power’s C60 avocado oil provides 25.6 milligrams of active C60 per ounce.

Research on C60 and health

Although C60 was first isolated decades ago, investigation into its effects on human health is still emerging.

The bulk of studies have been conducted in cells or animal models; only a limited number of trials have involved humans.

The table below outlines the current C60 research across seven health areas. Each area is graded based on how many studies reported an effect and whether those studies involved humans or animals:

• +: one or more animal studies showed an effect
• ++: one or more human studies showed an effect
• +/-: multiple studies with inconsistent results

Side effects

The preponderance of evidence suggests C60 is not toxic to humans, though additional study is necessary. A 2016 review reported that adverse skin reactions to C60 are uncommon in both human and animal research.

A 2012 experiment found various doses of C60 in corn oil were not harmful to rats. Another 2012 study reported that C60 in olive oil did not show toxicity in rats.

The 2021 mouse study  noted overall lack of acute toxicity but observed that C60 can form toxic compounds when exposed to normal light; it also did not extend lifespan.

More human trials are needed.

Keep in mind that C60 supplement purity and concentration may vary by manufacturer and even between batches. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)  does not oversee dietary supplements for safety, efficacy, or label accuracy in the same way it does pharmaceuticals.

One investigation  evaluated C60 products from several online sellers and found marked differences in appearance, purity, concentration, and activity.

If you decide to buy C60 supplements, choose products verified by independent third-party testers such as NSF, Banned Substances Control Group (BSCG), USP, or ConsumerLab.

Dosage

There isn’t enough solid clinical evidence to establish an effective human dosage of C60. Doses used in animal research vary widely.

In rodent experiments, oral C60 doses—typically delivered in olive oil—generally range from about 0.4 to 5 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) of body weight.

Topical effects in human and animal studies have been reported with C60 concentrations from under 0.0005 percent up to 0.05 percent.

The takeaway

Although decades of research indicate C60 is largely safe for humans and animals, investigations into the many possible health benefits of C60 supplements remain in early stages.

Research has assessed the molecule across several conditions, with the most advanced work focusing on skin-related applications.

As with any supplement, talk with your healthcare provider before using C60.