Antioxidants
Antioxidants Are a Non-Negotiable in Skincare
Antioxidants aren’t just a bonus — they’re essential for protecting your skin from daily damage. Found in everything from serums to sunscreens, these ingredients neutralize free radicals—unstable molecules caused by UV rays, pollution, and stress—that break down collagen and speed up aging.
By stopping that chain reaction, antioxidants help prevent fine lines, dullness, and loss of firmness. They also support skin repair, brighten tone, and boost the effectiveness of SPF.
You’ll find antioxidants in both lab-made and botanical forms, each with its own set of benefits.
Common Antioxidants in Skincare & What They Do:
- Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
- Brightens skin
- Boosts collagen
- Fights environmental damage
- Vitamin E (Tocopherol)
- Softens and moisturizes
- Works well with Vitamin C for enhanced protection
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
- Strengthens skin barrier
- Reduces inflammation
- Helps with discoloration
- Green Tea Extract (EGCG)
- Calms redness
- Balances oil
- Fights signs of aging
- Resveratrol
- Found in grapes and berries
- Helps protect skin from UV and pollution-related stress
- Beta-Carotene (Provitamin A)
- Gentler than retinol
- Supports healthy cell turnover
- Improves skin tone
- Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone)
- Supports cell energy
- Reduces the appearance of wrinkles
- Ferulic Acid
- Stabilizes and boosts other antioxidants (especially Vitamins C & E)
- Curcumin (from Turmeric)
- Anti-inflammatory
- Helps with skin tone and acne
- Licorice Root Extract
- Brightens dark spots
- Calms sensitivity
- Astaxanthin
- A potent antioxidant from algae
- Protects against UV and oxidative stress
Bottom line: Antioxidants are your skin’s defense team. If you want to slow down aging and protect your glow, they should be in your daily routine.