Antioxidants in Skincare: The A–Z Guide

In a cell experiment, the supplier reported lower reactive oxygen species after UV exposure with 3-glyceryl ascorbate. The numbered name identifies the position of the glyceryl modification and distinguishes it from other glyceryl ascorbates.

Laboratory studies have examined its stability, skin delivery, and effects on pigment cells. A clinical report also tested a serum combining 30% ethyl ascorbic acid with 1% lactic acid.

A randomized, double-blind study compared a 5% alpha-lipoic acid cream with its base cream on opposite sides of the face. Researchers reported improvements in signs of photoaging over 12 weeks.

Aminopropyl ascorbyl phosphate is a vitamin C derivative described in supplier ingredient documentation. It is used in formulas intended for antioxidant care and uneven tone.

Experiments with cultured fibroblasts examined apigenin and other flavonoids for effects on reactive oxygen species and enzymes involved in collagen breakdown.

A human UV study found less redness and cellular damage with a combination of 15% ascorbic acid, 1% tocopherol, and 0.5% ferulic acid. Formulation research also examines how to keep ascorbic acid active and deliver it into skin.

Ascorbyl glucoside links vitamin C to glucose. Researchers have studied how this changes its formulation behavior and delivery into skin, including delivery assisted by laser treatment.

An analytical study characterized ascorbyl methylsilanol pectinate for cosmetic formulation, examining its identity and physical properties. It combines an ascorbic-acid component with a silanol-based ingredient structure.

Ascorbyl palmitate links ascorbic acid to palmitic acid, making an oil-soluble vitamin C derivative. It is used as a formula antioxidant to help protect oxidation-sensitive ingredients. The cited cosmetic assessment covers its identity and use.

Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate is an oil-soluble vitamin C derivative studied for pigmentation. A 42-day study in 32 women compared several antioxidant formulas with a control. The formula containing this ingredient reduced pigmentation measurements. It is also called ATIP or VC-IP; ingredient records distinguish its name from tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate.

Astaxanthin has been studied for skin hydration, wrinkles, and responses to UV exposure. One small study combined oral and topical astaxanthin. Haematococcus pluvialis is an algae source of this red carotenoid.

A laboratory study treated human fibroblasts with baicalin before UVA exposure and measured cellular changes associated with aging. Baicalin and baicalein are distinct compounds found in Scutellaria plants.

A 12-week randomized study in 44 participants compared 0.5% bakuchiol twice daily with 0.5% retinol once daily. Both groups improved, with some differences in tolerability. Bakuchiol is chemically distinct from retinol and belongs to a different ingredient family.

In keratinocytes, beta-carotene affected UVA-induced signals associated with collagen breakdown. It is an orange carotenoid pigment and a vitamin A precursor, chemically distinct from retinol.

Here, BHA means butylated hydroxyanisole, an antioxidant used to protect formulas from oxidation. The abbreviation is also used for beta hydroxy acids, such as the exfoliant salicylic acid, which are a different ingredient category.

BHT helps slow oxidation in a formula, protecting oils and other sensitive ingredients. The cosmetic assessment covers its use and safety. Antioxidants address oxidation, while antimicrobial preservatives control bacteria, yeast, and mold.

This derivative carries two glycerol groups. Supplier testing describes its formulation behavior and stability under the storage conditions studied.

Research examined caffeic acid in excised human skin and in a human UVB experiment using aqueous solutions. It reduced UVB-induced redness under the conditions studied. Caffeic acid and caffeine are different compounds.

Cell experiments found changes in UV-induced oxidative stress and enzymes associated with collagen breakdown after treatment with carnosic acid. Separate chemical work examines its oxidation products. Rosemary extract can supply carnosic acid alongside other phenolic compounds.

Glycation occurs when sugars or related reactive compounds attach to proteins. A study of human skin tissue maintained outside the body found changes in glycation markers after applying carnosine or a carnosine-containing cream.

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Catalase breaks down hydrogen peroxide and works alongside other antioxidant enzymes. Studies have measured its activity in skin and examined combinations containing catalase for specific skin conditions.

A study measured chlorogenic acid, rutin, and quercetin in human skin tissue after applying different apple-extract formulations. Penetration varied with the carrier. Chlorogenic acid belongs to a family of caffeoylquinic acids found in plants.

A manufacturer-affiliated study found increased skin Q10 and changes in antioxidant measures after applying Q10 formulas. It also measured ubiquinol, the reduced form of Q10. The research examined delivery and antioxidant activity in skin.

A controlled study reported improvements in skin appearance with a regimen containing Coffea arabica and other fruit and vegetable extracts. Coffee fruit extract, coffee seed extract, and caffeine have separate ingredient identities.

Curcumin is the intensely colored constituent studied separately from whole turmeric extract. In skin-cell research, its effects changed with light exposure, including effects on cell survival.

EDTA binds metal ions that can contribute to unwanted reactions in a product. This supports formula stability and can complement antioxidant and preservative systems. Metal-binding ingredients are also called chelating agents.

A controlled study compared a formula containing 0.5% ellagic acid and 0.1% salicylic acid with hydroquinone. It reported improved pigmentation with the combination formula. Ellagic acid also occurs in plants such as pomegranate.

An eight-week split-face clinical trial evaluated topical EGCG for acne and reported improvement with the tested treatment. Supporting laboratory work examined its effects on skin cells. EGCG is one of green tea's principal catechins.

Experiments in human skin cells examine ergothioneine uptake, antioxidant pathways, and changes in enzymes associated with collagen breakdown. Skin cells have a transport system that takes up ergothioneine.

A human skin study examined topical EUK-134 and measured changes in surface lipid-peroxide levels, including before UVA exposure. EUK-134 is a synthetic compound designed to mimic aspects of SOD and catalase activity.

Human UV-exposure research has studied ferulic acid in antioxidant combinations, including a formula with ascorbic acid and tocopherol. Researchers measured reduced redness and cellular damage after controlled exposure.

Cosmetic research often uses feverfew processed to reduce parthenolide, a sensitizing constituent. Laboratory studies examine these preparations for inflammatory skin responses. Contact reactions have also been reported in people sensitive to feverfew, including with parthenolide-depleted products.

A fucoxanthin cream was studied in mice exposed to UVB. Researchers measured changes in redness and skin thickening. Fucoxanthin is a carotenoid found in brown algae.

A small controlled study tested a cream containing fullerene-C60 dissolved in squalane for eight weeks. Some wrinkle measurements improved, while the findings varied by measurement.

A six-week trial in postmenopausal women tested a formula containing genistein, vitamin E, niacinamide, and ceramide. Most wrinkle comparisons across the full study population showed no clear advantage between groups; some subgroup findings were more favorable.

A preliminary human study evaluated a ginkgo cream over two weeks and reported visible changes. Ginkgo leaf extract contains flavonoids and other plant compounds studied for antioxidant activity.

Laboratory work examines glabridin's effects on pigment pathways and its delivery into skin. An uncontrolled pilot study reported improvement in melasma with a gel combining glabridin, andrographolide, and apolactoferrin. Glabridin is one constituent of licorice root.

A controlled topical study examined 2% oxidized glutathione, or GSSG, for pigmentation. Reduced glutathione, or GSH, has a different chemical state and stability. Glutathione is a tripeptide involved in the body's antioxidant defenses.

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The manufacturer's iVC range includes glyceryl derivatives with different structures. Its ingredient data describe moisturizing properties and formulation behavior. Glyceryl ascorbate, 3-glyceryl ascorbate, and bis-glyceryl ascorbate have separate ingredient names.

Grape seed extract contains procyanidins, a group of plant polyphenols. OPC stands for oligomeric proanthocyanidins. A human formulation study examined a cream containing black-grape seed extract and measured changes in skin.

Small human experiments have studied green tea's effects on UV-related skin markers. An eight-week trial combining green-tea cream and supplements found tissue changes but no clear visible photoaging benefit. Green and white tea come from the same species, with processing and extraction shaping their composition.

Topical hesperidin improved barrier recovery after experimental disruption in mice. Baseline barrier function did not improve in the same way. Hesperidin methyl chalcone is a separate derivative.

Research in hairless mice examined hesperidin methyl chalcone's effects on UVB-related oxidative and inflammatory damage. This water-soluble hesperidin derivative is also used in eye-care formulas.

Honokiol and magnolol are closely related compounds found in magnolia bark. Delivery research examines them separately, including how their structures affect passage through skin.

A keratinocyte study examined hydroxytyrosol's effects on cell behavior and protection from hydrogen peroxide. Hydroxytyrosol is a phenolic compound found in olives and olive-derived ingredients.

A clinical study tested creams containing 0.5% or 1% idebenone and reported changes in measures of photodamaged skin. The study compared two active concentrations without a control cream. Idebenone is a synthetic relative of CoQ10.

Research examines the vitamin C and phenolic content of Kakadu plum, including variation between fruit samples and extracts. Studies also measure its antioxidant activity in laboratory assays.

Licorice contains compounds studied for pigmentation and inflammatory responses. A pilot study used glabridin in a combination gel for melasma. The species and extraction method influence the mixture of compounds in a licorice extract.

A controlled study examined lutein and zeaxanthin together through topical, oral, and combined use. It reported changes in skin measurements, including hydration and responses to UV exposure.

Research in fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and skin tissue examined luteolin's effects on stress signals and an enzyme involved in collagen breakdown. Luteolin is a flavonoid; lutein is a carotenoid.

A laboratory study tested lycopene microemulsions for skin penetration and antioxidant activity in tissue. Delivery varied with the formula, making the carrier a focus of this research.

MAP reduced pigment production and oxidative stress in cultured pigment cells. Skin-model research also examines its delivery and conversion to ascorbic acid.

A study measured mangiferin and hesperidin in human skin tissue after applying isolated compounds or honeybush extracts. Researchers assessed how each preparation delivered these compounds into different skin layers.

Human UV experiments have examined melatonin applied before and after exposure. Timing affected the findings: a post-exposure study found no protection against the measured sunburn and immune effects.

Milk-thistle fruit extract supplies compounds in the silymarin family, with proportions that vary by preparation. Topical pigmentation research has tested defined silymarin creams in women with melasma. The silymarin entry covers that study.

Niacinamide supports cellular processes involved in antioxidant defense. A manufacturer-affiliated split-face trial tested 5% niacinamide against a control for 12 weeks and reported improvements in several signs of skin aging. Niacinamide, nicotinic acid, and NMN are distinct ingredients.

NMN is a precursor involved in NAD metabolism. Recent research explores delivery systems for topical NMN and responses in skin cells. NMN and niacinamide are separate ingredients involved in related cellular pathways.

A two-month pilot study in 36 people reported changes in hydration, water loss, and wrinkles with an olive-leaf cream. There was no control-cream group. Olive leaf extract contains a mixture of compounds and is distinct from olive oil and isolated hydroxytyrosol.

The manufacturer's technical material describes its use in protecting formulas against oxidation-related changes. It helps preserve sensitive ingredients, including oils and fragrance components.

A small human study applied a formula containing phloretin, ascorbic acid, and ferulic acid before controlled UV exposure. Researchers measured changes in redness and cellular markers.

Phytic acid and sodium phytate are an acid and its salt, used to bind metals in formulas. Their formulation behavior depends partly on pH. Supplier documentation and a cosmetic assessment describe their chelating role.

Phytoene and phytofluene are colorless carotenoids. Cell research has examined them with CoQ10, and a separate study assessed the skin compatibility of carotenoid-rich tomato and Dunaliella salina extracts.

A human UV study examined oral French maritime pine bark extract. Pycnogenol is a standardized commercial extract used in this area of research and contains a mixture of procyanidins and other plant compounds.

Research has examined Polypodium leucotomos as an oral extract for responses to UVB exposure and as an addition to topical sunscreen formulas. Fernblock is a standardized commercial extract used in this research.

A formulation study examined a cream enriched with pomegranate anthocyanins, pigments with antioxidant activity. Pomegranate fruit extract, peel extract, and seed oil differ in their composition.

Propyl gallate is an ester of gallic acid used as a formula antioxidant. The cosmetic assessment documents its role in helping protect oxidation-sensitive ingredients.

A small, open-label study evaluated a 0.4% pterostilbene cream for eight weeks and reported improvements. The study had no control cream and included investigators affiliated with the ingredient industry.

A skin-cell study of PQQ disodium found effects on inflammatory signaling but no increase in the formation of new mitochondria. A separate human report studied an allyl PQQ derivative in a multi-ingredient topical product.

Laboratory work examines quercetin's antioxidant activity and formulation stability. In a small human study of experimentally irritated skin, topical quercetin did not improve redness or barrier recovery.

A randomized study compared oral resveratrol, a topical cream, both together, and placebos. The clearest wrinkle improvement occurred with combined oral and topical treatment. Laboratory studies also examine resveratrol's effects on cellular stress pathways.

Rosemary extract can supply carnosic acid, carnosol, and other phenolic compounds. Their proportions depend on extraction and standardization. It is used to help protect formulas from oxidation. Rosemary leaf extract and rosemary essential oil are different ingredients.

A study examined rosmarinic acid added to sunscreen formulas, including antioxidant measurements in skin samples. Rosmarinic acid is one of the phenolic compounds found in rosemary and other plants.

A double-blind study in 40 adults compared a rutin cream with a control over four weeks and reported improvements in elasticity and wrinkles. Supporting experiments examined its effects in fibroblasts, the cells that produce skin's structural proteins.

Sea-buckthorn fruit oil supplies lipids and pigments and is used as an emollient. Research has studied seed oils, pulp oils, and extracts separately. One small human study tested a berry-extract emulsion.

Selenium is a nutrient required by some glutathione peroxidase enzymes, which help break down peroxides in the body. Cosmetic use restrictions vary by selenium compound and market. Selenium aspartate is one compound associated with this ingredient category.

A small study compared two concentrations of silymarin cream with hydroquinone in women with melasma and reported improved pigmentation scores. Silymarin is a mixture of milk-thistle compounds. Silybin, also called silibinin, is one constituent.

Sodium ascorbate is the sodium salt of ascorbic acid. The cosmetic assessment documents its identity and use as an antioxidant. It is a different ingredient from sodium ascorbyl phosphate, often abbreviated SAP.

SAP is a phosphate derivative of ascorbic acid. A study compared 5% SAP and 5% ascorbic acid emulgels for stability and effects on facial wrinkles. SAP and sodium ascorbate are different vitamin C ingredients.

Sodium metabisulfite is a reducing agent used to protect oxidation-sensitive formulas. The cosmetic assessment covers sulfite ingredients and their use conditions. Contact allergy has been reported. Sulfites and sulfates are different ingredient groups.

Reconstructed-skin experiments have examined sodium tocopheryl phosphate's penetration and conversion to tocopherol. The research measures delivery at different applied amounts.

A manufacturer-affiliated, vehicle-controlled trial tested a stabilized soy moisturizer in 65 women over 12 weeks and reported improvements. The tested preparation retained soy proteins relevant to pigment transfer.

Squalene is a natural component of skin-surface lipids. It reacts readily with reactive oxygen and can become oxidized itself; researchers have identified its oxidation products on human skin. Squalane is its hydrogenated, more oxidation-resistant relative, widely used as an emollient.

A small human study applied a sulforaphane-rich broccoli-sprout extract before controlled UV exposure and measured reduced redness. Sulforaphane is studied for activating cellular defense pathways.

SOD converts superoxide into less reactive products and works alongside enzymes such as catalase in the skin's antioxidant defenses. Human skin research measures these enzymes' activity in the outer skin layers.

Research in cells and mice exposed to UV has examined taxifolin's effects on oxidative stress and skin responses. Taxifolin is also called dihydroquercetin, reflecting its chemical relationship to quercetin.

THD is an oil-soluble vitamin C derivative studied for pigmentation, wrinkles, and antioxidant activity. An eight-week, supplier-funded trial in 44 adults compared 5% THD with 5% THD plus 1% acetyl zingerone. The combination improved wrinkle, pigmentation, and redness measures; THD alone showed little pigmentation change and increases in wrinkle and redness measures. Ingredient records list THD and ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate separately.

Experiments in fibroblast and pigment-cell lines have explored tetrahydrocurcumin's effects. It is a reduced derivative of curcumin. Tetrahydrocurcuminoids is a broader name for a mixture of related compounds.

GLDA is a chelating agent used in personal-care formulas. By binding trace metals, it helps limit unwanted changes in color, odor, and product quality.

Tocopherol is used both to protect formulas from oxidation and in antioxidant skincare. A human UV study found less redness and cellular damage with alpha-tocopherol, ascorbic acid, and ferulic acid together. Mixed tocopherols contain several vitamin E forms.

Tocopheryl acetate has an acetate group attached to tocopherol. Skin must convert it back to tocopherol to release the free antioxidant group. The cited cosmetic assessment covers its identity and use in skincare.

Tocopheryl glucoside links vitamin E to glucose and is intended to release tocopherol through conversion in skin. Clinical research has studied it in a dermocosmetic containing retinaldehyde and glycylglycine oleamide.

Tocopheryl linoleate links tocopherol to linoleic acid. The cosmetic assessment documents this vitamin E derivative and its use in formulations.

Tocopheryl nicotinate joins tocopherol and nicotinic acid. Its identity and cosmetic use are documented in the vitamin E safety assessment. Nicotinic acid and niacinamide are different forms of vitamin B3.

Tocotrienols are members of the vitamin E family with a different side-chain structure from tocopherols. In hairless mice, topical and dietary tocotrienols accumulated in skin and affected oxidative-stress measures after UV exposure.

APPS combines phosphate and palmitate modifications of vitamin C. These change its formulation properties. The ingredient listing identifies it separately from ascorbyl palmitate and sodium ascorbyl phosphate.

EDDS binds metals that can drive unwanted reactions in personal-care formulas. Supplier documentation describes its use to support product stability.

Turmeric extract contains a mixture of compounds, including curcuminoids. Studies examine its composition and laboratory antioxidant activity. The extraction method influences the mixture's color and curcumin content.

Ubiquinol is the reduced form of CoQ10 and participates in the same antioxidant cycle as ubiquinone. Topical ubiquinone research has measured increases in skin ubiquinol. Separate laboratory work investigates ways to stabilize and deliver ubiquinol derivatives.

A controlled human study tested lutein and zeaxanthin together through topical, oral, and combined use. Researchers measured hydration and responses to UV exposure. Zeaxanthin dipalmitate is an ester form of zeaxanthin.

Laboratory research on zinc PCA found changes in UVA-related signaling in fibroblasts. Zinc PCA and zinc gluconate are different salts used in skincare. Zinc oxide has a separate role as a mineral UV filter.