
Secrets of the Skin
EP 05 Anti-free radical activity in cosmetics
Cosmetics with antiradical activity is a topic that is gaining popularity. Such products are attracting the attention of both scientists and consumers who are looking for effective ways to neutralize the negative effects of free radicals on the skin.
What are free radicals, why should we defend against them, and are cosmetics with higher antiradical activity really better?
Free radicals and their effects on the skin
Free radicals are molecules containing one or more unpaired electrons that become highly reactive and can damage our skin at the cellular level. They are a natural product of our body’s metabolism, but their production can be increased by external factors such as UV radiation, pollution, stress or diet. Free radical damage is one of the main causes of skin aging – leading to loss of elasticity, wrinkles, discoloration and other signs of aging.
The role of cosmetics with antiradical properties
Anti-radical cosmetics, also known as antioxidant cosmetics, are formulated to combat the damaging effects of free radicals. They contain antioxidants – substances that are able to neutralize free radicals by giving them the missing electron, which stabilizes their structure and prevents further damage to the skin. The most common antioxidants in cosmetics are:
- Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid. Vitamin C is one of the most widely used antioxidants in cosmetics. It has the ability to neutralize free radicals, and also supports collagen production, which contributes to maintaining skin firmness. The best anti-free radical effects come from vitamin C concentrations of 10 to 20 percent. In addition, vitamin C works synergistically with other antioxidants, such as vitamin E and ferulic acid, enhancing their effects.
- Vitamin E, or tocopherol, is another powerful antioxidant used in cosmetics. Vitamin E helps protect the skin from damage caused by UV radiation and pollution. It works best in concentrations of 1% to 5%. Like vitamin C, vitamin E works synergistically with other antioxidants to offer better skin protection.
- Ferulic acid is a powerful antioxidant of plant origin that is known to protect the skin from UV radiation. It is most often used in combination with vitamins C and E, which increases its effectiveness. Ferulic acid is most effective in concentrations of 0.5% to 1%.
- Polyphenols are a group of plant compounds with strong antioxidant properties. They are most often extracted from plants such as green tea, grapes and berries. Polyphenols are most effective at concentrations of 1% to 2%.
- Resveratrol is a plant-derived antioxidant that is particularly effective in protecting the skin from UV damage. Resveratrol is most effective in concentrations of 0.5% to 1%.
Does higher antiradical activity mean a better product?
Anti-free radical activity is an important indicator of the effectiveness of cosmetics. The higher the value, the stronger the product’s ability to neutralize harmful free radicals that accelerate skin aging.
