Ingredient guide
Antioxidants in Skincare: What They Are and Why Your Skin Needs Them
Antioxidants are a powerhouse group of ingredients that help protect the skin from damage, slow visible ageing and restore a healthy, radiant glow. They neutralise free radicals, unstable molecules caused by pollution, UV rays, stress and even our own metabolism, which can contribute to premature ageing, inflammation and cellular breakdown.
Whether you are looking to brighten your complexion, soothe irritation or reduce the look of wrinkles, antioxidants offer wide-ranging benefits for every skin type.
The Best Antioxidants in Skincare
Vitamin C
Best for brightening, uneven tone and sun damage
Vitamin C is one of the most researched antioxidants in skincare. It helps neutralise free radicals while supporting collagen production and brightening dull or hyperpigmented skin.
Vitamin E
Best for dry or sensitive skin and barrier support
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that naturally occurs in the skin but can become depleted by sun exposure and pollution. It helps support the skin barrier while enhancing other antioxidants such as Vitamin C.
Green Tea Extract
Best for redness, inflammation and acne-prone skin
Green tea is rich in polyphenols, particularly EGCG, a potent antioxidant with calming and antimicrobial properties. It helps soothe irritation, reduce visible redness and protect against UV-induced damage.
Coenzyme Q10
Best for fine lines, dullness and mature skin
CoQ10 is a naturally occurring enzyme that declines with age. It supports cellular energy production and helps fight oxidative stress, making it a valuable ingredient for tired or mature-looking skin.
Resveratrol
Best for ageing, stressed or pollution-exposed skin
Derived from red grapes and berries, resveratrol is known for its antioxidant and calming effects. It helps defend against environmental stressors and supports skin affected by urban exposure.
Niacinamide
Best for redness, uneven texture and enlarged pores
Niacinamide is a standout multitasker. It helps support barrier function, improve uneven tone, calm visible inflammation and regulate oil production, making it suitable for nearly every skin type.
Ferulic Acid
Best for sun-exposed skin and antioxidant support
Ferulic acid is a plant-based antioxidant that helps fight free radicals while stabilising and boosting other antioxidants, especially Vitamins C and E.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Best for texture, fine lines and antioxidant defence
Alpha-lipoic acid is both water- and fat-soluble, allowing it to work across different parts of the skin cell. It helps improve texture, support even tone and enhance the performance of other antioxidants.
How Antioxidants Help Your Skin
They help neutralise free radicals before they contribute to visible ageing.
Some antioxidants support collagen pathways, improving the look of firmness and elasticity.
They can help brighten uneven tone and reduce the look of discolouration.
They help reduce visible sensitivity and support healthier barrier function.
Used during the day, antioxidants can complement sunscreen as part of environmental defence.
Tips for Using Antioxidants
Apply antioxidant serums before heavier moisturisers, oils or SPF.
For maximum benefit, make antioxidants part of your daily routine, especially in the morning.
Antioxidants Are Skincare Essentials
Incorporating antioxidants into your skincare routine is one of the smartest moves you can make for long-term skin health. Whether you are focused on preventing signs of ageing, calming visible inflammation or boosting your skin's natural glow, there is an antioxidant strategy for you.
Ready to give your skincare a serious upgrade? Look for antioxidant-rich serums like our Solution From Pollution.
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