antioxidant

What is Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) and Its Role in DIY Skincare?

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a naturally occurring antioxidant that also shows numerous attractive features for use in cosmetic skin care. It is known as a dietary supplement for a long time, but recent research suggests it may be more effective through other applications, such as skin creams. ALA neutralizes free radicals, thus helping to fight ageing and cancer. It is more effective in combating free radicals than common vitamins, such as vitamin C or E, hence lipoic acid is called the "universal antioxidant". In skin care, ALA was also shown to promote wound healing, treat and prevent diabetic ulcers. Cosmetics research suggests that ALA can promote collagen synthesis, thus reducing the visible effects of ageing on skin, and improving the appearance without any noticeable side effects.

What Are the Key Benefits of Alpha Lipoic Acid in Skin Care?

• Antioxidant [1] [2] [5] [7] [8]
• Anti-inflammatory [5] [7]
• Stimulate collagen production [14]
• Reduce fine lines and wrinkles [16] [15]
• Sun damage protection [17] [19]
• Sun damage repair [1] [2] [5] [7] [8] [16] [15]
• Wound healing support [10] [11] [12]

L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is an essential nutrient which has many cosmetic benefits. It is a remarkable antioxidant and can scavenge reactive oxygen species and other free radicals, protecting the skin from oxidative stress. It can stimulate collagen synthesis by promoting cross-linking and stabilizing collagen molecules, upregulating collagen genes, increasing the transcription of the tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 1, and inducing fibroblast proliferation. It reduces pigmentation by suppressing tyrosinase, which is important for melanin production. It is an anti-inflammatory agent and can be used to treat inflammatory skin disease such as erythema. Together, L-ascorbic acid provides powerful anti-aging properties and has been shown to reduce wrinkles, improve elasticity, and protect against sun damage. Stability and absorption of L-ascorbic acid is a concern. While the anhydrous L-ascorbic acid might be the most stable form, adding vitamin E not only helps stabilizing L-ascorbic acid, but the two have synergistic effects on anti-aging.  Used in: philosopy's turbo booster c powder and SkinCeuticals.

Key benefts of L-ascorbic acid in skin care:

• Anti-inflammatory ^[31]
• Antioxidant ^{[4] [5] [6] [7] [8]}
• Increase skin elasticity ^[26]
• Lightening and brightening ^{[4] [22] [28] [29] [30]}
• Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) inhibitors ^[19]
• Moisturizing and hydration ^[21]
• Reduce fine lines and wrinkles ^{[7] [21] [22] [25] [26]}
• Ttimulate collagen production ^{[5] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] [22] [23] [24]}
• Sun damage protection ^{[9] [11]}
• Sun damage repair ^{[6] [22] [26]}
• Teat hyperpigmentation ^{[4] [9] [22] [25] [28] [29] [30]}
• Wrinkle relaxers ^[22]

Key benefits of Ascorbyl glucoside (AA-2G)  in skin care:

• Antioxidant ^{[10] [16]}
• Lightening and brightening ^[14]
• Treat hyperpigmentation ^[14]
• Sun damage repair ^{[10] [16]}
• Sun dammage protection ^{[7] [9]}
• Stimulate collagen production ^{[3] [13]}
• Reduce fine lines and wrinkles ^[12]

Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate (Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate) is a molecule derived from vitamin C and isopalmitic acid. Pure vitamin C has several drawbacks for cosmeceutical use, most important of which is the low stability. Chemically modified vitamin molecules are more stable, and pure vitamin is released from the derivatives inside the body. Therefore, the effects of Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate are similar to those of vitamin C, most importantly it is able to act as an antioxidant. Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate reduces the production of oxidizing agents, which contribute to cell damage after exposure to UV or chemical hazards. This effect is even stronger in the modified molecule than in pure vitamin C. Additionally, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate protects against DNA damage and skin darkening caused by UV exposure. Finally, skin visual appearance is also improved by Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate, as it promotes collagen synthesis and acts as a hydrating agent in reducing skin roughness.

Key benefits of Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate in skin care:

• Sun damage protection ^{[1] [2] [7]}
• Sun damage repair ^[2]
• Antioxidant ^{[1] [6]}
• Moisturizing and hydration ^[5]
• Stimulate collagen production ^[2]
• Lightening & brightening ^[1]
• treat hyperpigmentation ^[1]

Key benefits Carnosine in skin care:

• Glycation inhibitor and repair ^{[1] [9]}
• Sun damage protection ^{[3] [4]}
• Sun damage repair ^{[3] [4]}
• Wound healing support ^{[11] [12]}
• Moisturizing & hydration ^{[13] [14]}
• Antioxidant ^{[4] [5] [6]}
• Restore barrier function ^[8]

Centella asiatica is a tropical plant that has been used extensively in Indian medicine. It has diverse applications for skin cosmetics: firstly, it is effective in wound care, as it promotes healing of simple, infected, non-healing, or burn wounds, as well as wounds in patients with diabetes, undergoing radiotherapy or steroid medication. Centella is also used for treating scars and preventing or reducing stretch marks. The extract of this plant promotes synthesis of collagen, hydroxyproline, hyaluronic acid and cell growth factors, thus helping to maintain the elasticity, strength and general appearance of healthy skin. It also protects the skin from ageing damage, such as glycation, and UV damage, likely by activating antioxidant synthesis.

NOTE: To assist you with solubility issues, we now also sell Centella asiatica as a standardized pre-dissolved solution. Just add the liquid to your cream and mix well.

• 15% solution gives 1% triterpenes content in final product.
• 43% solution gives 3% triterpenes content in final product.
• 72% solution gives 5% triterpenes content in final product.
   

Key benefits of Centella asiatica in skin care:

• Wound healing support ^{[1] [2] [4] [5] [8]}
• Stimulate HA production ^[2]
• Stimulate collagen production ^{[2] [4] [5] [7]}
• reduce fine lines and wrinkles ^{[2] [4] [5] [7]}
• Increase skin elasticity ^[2]
• Glycation inhibitor and repair ^[9]
• Scar care ^{[2] [4] [12]}
• Sun damage protection ^[9]

Coenzyme Q10 is a molecule naturally involved in energy metabolism in all human cells. Among its many benefits, the antioxidant properties are the most researched. This molecule can prevent oxidation damage to water-insoluble molecules, DNA mutations, collagen synthesis decrease, pigmentation, inflammation and other adverse effects associated with UV exposure and ageing. In combination with vitamin E or other antioxidants, an exceedingly strong antioxidative effect can be achieved. Furthermore, coenzyme Q10 has a unique capability to protect against infrared A radiation, which is also found in sunlight. The promotion of collagen synthesis makes this coenzyme useful in treating ageing-associated skin changes, such as wrinkle appearance. Finally, its anti-inflammatory effect is beneficial not only for UV-damaged skin, but also for wound healing support.

NOTE: To assist you with solubility issues, we now also sell CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10) as a liquid standardized pre-dissolved solution. Just add the liquid to your cream and mix well.

Key benefits of Coenzyme Q10 in skin care:

• Sun damage protection ^{[5] [7] [9]}
• Antioxidant ^{[1] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8]}
• Increase cellular energy production ^[15]
• Stimulate collagen production ^{[5] [8] [10] [13]}
• Lightening & brightening ^[10]
• Sun damage repair ^{[5] [7] [8]}
• Reduce fine lines & wrinkles ^{[5] [11]}
• Wound healing support ^[13]
• Anti-inflammatory ^{[6] [10] [12] [13]}

Key benefits of DMAE bitartrate in skin care: 

• Wrinkle tightener [3] [7] [8] [9]
• Anti-inflammatory [3] [6]
• Moisturizing and hydration [8]
• Antioxidant [3]
• Reduce dark circles under eyes [8]
• Reduce fine lines and wrinkles [3] [5] [7] [8] [9]

• 6% pre-dissolved solution gives 0.5% Ferulic Acid content in final product.
• 31% pre-dissolved solution gives 3% Ferulic Acid content in final product.
• 51% pre-dissolved solution gives 5% Ferulic Acid content in final product.

Key benefits of Ferulic acid in skin care:

• Sun damage protection ^{[4] [5]] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10]}
• Sun damage repair ^{[9] [10] [13] [14]}
• Antioxidant ^{[1] [3] [7] [8] [9]}
• Stimulate collagen production ^{[13] [14]}
• Lightening & brightening ^[15]
• Anti-androgenetic alopecia ^[3]
• Stabilizes l ascorbic acid ^[5]

Ginkgo biloba is a unique tree species. Its leaf extract contains a diverse variety of molecules useful in cosmetics and pharmacology. Firstly, they are potent antioxidants, and can even activate the production of enzymes that neutralize free radicals. Combined with the anti-inflammatory effects, this extract provides an effective defense against UV radiation and ageing symptoms. Dermal applications of this extract can even lead to protection of other organs. Another major application of Ginkgo biloba is moisturizing the skin, which helps to increase its elasticity and visual appearance, even reducing the amount of wrinkles. Furthermore, this extract helps to maintain the barrier function of the skin – it reduces water loss through epidermis, thus reducing skin dryness and irritation. In combination with green tea extract, Ginkgo shows even stronger benefits in these areas.

NOTE: To assist you with solubility issues, we now also sell Ginkgo Biloba extract as a standardized pre-dissolved solution. Just add the liquid to your cream and mix well.

Key benefits of Ginkgo Biloba in skin care:

• Sun damage protection ^{[1] [6] [8] [10] [11]}
• Sun damage repair ^{[7] [10]}
• Antioxidant ^{[1] [6]}
• Capillary health ^{[6] [14]}
• Increase skin elasticity ^[2]
• Moisturizing & hydration ^{[2] [3] [4]}
• Restore barrier function ^{[2] [3] [4] [5]}
• Reduce fine lines and wrinkles ^{[2] [4] [9]}
• Anti-inflammatory ^{[9] [12] [13]}

• 11% solution gives 1% EGCG content in final product.
• 33% solution gives 3% EGCG content in final product.
• 54% solution gives 5% EGCG content in final product.

Key benefits of Green Tea EGCG in skin care:

• Sun damage protection ^{[1] [2] [3] [4] [5]}
• Sun damage repair ^{[1] [2] [3]}
• Antioxidant ^{[1] [2] [3] [7]}
• Capillary health ^[19]
• Moisturizing & hydration ^{[8] [9] [11]}
• Reduce fine lines and wrinkles ^{[10] [11]}
• Wound healing support ^{[17] [18]}
• Oil/sebum control ^[12]
• Lightening & brightening ^[6]
• Restore barrier function ^{[8] [9]}
• Anti-inflammatory ^[1]
• Anti-acne ^{[12] [13]}
• Anti-bacterial ^{[13] [14] [16]}

• 11% solution gives 1% Hesperidin content in final product.
• 31% solution gives 3% Hesperidin content in final product.
• 51% solution gives 5% Hesperidin content in final product.

Key benefits of Hesperidin methyl chalcone in skin care:

• Sun damage protection ^{[8] [11]}
• Capillary health ^{[4] [5] [12]}
• Lightening & brightening ^{[7] [8]}
• Reduce dark circles under the eyes ^[6]
• Restore barrier function ^{[1] [9] [10]}
• Anti-inflammatory ^{[2] [5]}

Key benefits of Niacinamide in skin care:

• Treat hyperpigmentation ^{[3] [7] [8]}
• Lightening and brightening ^{[3] [7] [8]}
• Reduce fine lines and wrinkles ^[9]
• Anti-inflammatory ^{[5] [6] [8]}
• Anti-oxidant ^{[10] [13]}
• Anti-acne ^{[1] [5] [11]}
• Moisturizing and hydration ^{[2] [5] [12]}
• Restore barrier function ^{[2] [5] [12]}
• Wound healing support ^{[5] [6]}
• Increase skin elasticity ^{[5] [9]}
• Oil/sebum control ^[2]
• Pore refinement ^[2]
• Sun damage repair ^[13]
• Sun damage protection ^[10]
• Stimulate collagen production ^[5]
• Stimulate HA production ^[9]

Key benefits of Resveratrol in skin care:

• Anti-acne [15]–[17]
• Anti-bacterial [16]
• Antioxidant [1]–[4]
• Anti-inflammatory [1], [4], [8], [9]
• Sun damage protection [1], [6]–[8], [11]
• Increase skin elasticity [14]
• Lightening & brightening [10]–[13]
• Natural phytoestrogens [1], [8], [9]

Key benefits of Sclerotium Gum in skin care:

• moisturizing and hydration [9][12][13]
• anti-inflammatory [6] [10]
• wound healing support [6] [10]
• sun damage protection [10]
• sun damage repair [10]
• stimulate collagen production[11]
• Anti-bacterial [11]
• Antioxidant [10]
• Restore barrier function [9][12][13]

• Emulsion stabilizer
• Improves flow of emulsions
• Wide pH tolerance :: 5 to 12
• Offers a nice feel to products
• Viscosity not affected by high heat
• Stable in extreme physical and chemical conditions
• Creates smooth flowing gels / serums
• Improves natural moisture levels in skin and hair
• Gels the water phase for enhanced viscosity without stiffness
• Outstanding suspending ability
• Alternative to carbopol and Gelmaker Ultra
• Moisturizer

Key benefits of Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate in skin care:

• Anti-acne [7]  [8]
• Antioxidant [3] [4] [6] [9] [10]
• Increase skin elasticity [1] [4]
• Reduce fine lines and wrinkles [1] [4]
• Stimulate collagen production [1] [4]
• Sun damage protection [9] [10]
• Sun damage repair [9] [10]
• Lightening and brightening [12]
• Treat hyperpigmentation [12]

Key benefits of Vitamin E Mixed Tocopherols in skin care:

• Antioxidant [1-15]
• Sun damage protection [2, 4, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15]
• Sun damage repair [12]
• Anti-inflammatory [2, 5, 10, 14]
• Wound Healing Support [5]
• Matrix Metalloproteinase [MMP] inhibitors [11]
• Stimulate collagen production [5]
• Reduces fine lines and wrinkles [3]

Key Benefits of Vitamin E mixed Tocotrienols in skin care:

• Antioxidant [1-10]
• Sun damage protection [1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10]
• Sun damage repair [1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10]
• Anti-inflammatory [4, 6, 9]
• Stimulate collagen production [1, 2, 3]
• Increase skin elasticity [2, 3]
• Restore barrier function [8]
• Treat hyperpigmentation [11]

Key benefits of White Willow bark (salicin) in skin care:

• Anti-inflammatory [3] [4] [6] [8]
• Anti-oxidant [4] [7]
• Anti-acne [5]
• Anti-bacterial [7]
• Anti-blackheads [5] [7]
• Oil/sebum control [5]
• Pore refinement [2] [3]
• Sun damage repair [7]
• Treat hyperpigmentation [2]
• Exfoliating [5]
• Moisturizing and hydration [1] [2]
• Wrinkle tightener [2]
• Reduce fine lines and wrinkles [2]
• Stimulate HA production [1]
• Matrix metalloproteinases [MMP] inhibitor [1]

Glucan is a polymer, produced from glucose molecules in fungi, seaweed and other organisms. Many types of this polymer exist, but yeast beta-glucan has the optimal structure and size for biological activity. It has significant effects in wound healing – glucan is already used to treat burn patients, as it promotes regeneration of the skin, reduces pain and improves scar appearance. Furthermore, it is able to activate the immune system to fight against infections, making it additionally useful in open wound care. Additionally, it helps the skin to maintain its barrier function after damage by chemicals, such as detergents. The antioxidant properties of this polymer help protect the skin cells against UV or other sources of oxidative damage. Skin ageing symptoms, such as darkening, sunburn and collagen degradation, can also be reduced by applying this compound.

Key benefits of Yeast Beta Glucan in skin care:

• Sun damage protection [1], [5], [11]
• Sun damage repair [1], [5], [11]
• Wound healing support [1], [4]–[8]
• Anti-bacterial [9], [10]
• Scar care [8]
• Lightening & brightening [1]
• Antioxidant [1], [5], [11]
• Restore barrier function [5]

Key benefits of Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (MAP) in skin care:

• Antioxidant [3-15]
• Increase skin elasticity [5] [11]
• Stimulate collagen production [5] [11]
• Sun damage protection [9] [10] [11]
• Sun damage repair [9] [10] [11]
• Lightening and brightening [12] [13] [14][15]
• Treat hyperpigmentation [12] [13] [14][15]