Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals and enhance cellular repair, as well as diminish signs of aging such as hyperpigmentation, lines, and wrinkles.
At GH Beauty Lab, we rigorously test face serums containing antioxidants using scientific instruments and consumer testers who analyze them over time. Here are our top picks, including this potency blend.
1. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is well-known for its incredible skin-protective abilities and antioxidant benefits. Used topically, Vitamin C helps even out uneven skin tone and discoloration over time while simultaneously diminishing fine lines, wrinkles, and improving the look of pores.
Vitamin C’s stability increases when combined with Ferulic acid, an established and powerful antioxidant. This powerful combination is found in this serum containing Amla fruit extract as well.
Clinical studies indicate that vitamin C can reduce oxidative stress, improve iron absorption in the bloodstream (preventing deficiency) and is generally safe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding mothers (although some chemotherapy drugs could potentially interfere). Furthermore, vitamin C supplements should always be discussed with your oncologist prior to adding them into your regimen.)
2. Ferulic Acid
Ferulic acid is a phenolic compound found in the cell walls of many fruits (spinach, rhubarb and grapes), vegetables (black elderberries, red beets and roman chamomile) and cereals (wheat and oats) as an antioxidant to neutralize free radicals.
Niacinamide and Niacinimide form an effective duo to address enlarged pores, fine lines and hyperpigmentation. Furthermore, this combination protects peptides from degradation while increasing their effectiveness for improving skin tone, texture and firmness.
Echinacea is generally safe for most skin types; however, anyone with sensitive or inflammatory conditions such as rosacea or eczema should patch-test before use in a serum product. While some mild irritation may result, usually tolerability levels should be sufficient when used properly in this form.
3. Resveratrol
Resveratrol (3,5,4′-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) is an antioxidant and antibacterial natural polyphenol produced naturally by plants in response to fungal attacks or mechanical injury or UV radiation. Resveratrol acts as a phytoalexin produced in response to stress factors like fungal attacks or UV exposure.
Promoting mitochondrial biogenesis and increasing SIRT1 activity through reduced oxidative stress, inhibiting accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) accumulation, preventing cell death in neurons and decreasing cholinergic neurotransmission, amyloid formation and cellular inflammatory responses is the goal.
This powerful serum features a maximized concentration of pure, stable resveratrol combined with 0.5% baicalin and 1% vitamin E (alpha tocopherol). Together these ingredients combine for maximum anti-aging results that strengthen skin’s natural antioxidant defense system, neutralize free radicals, replenish lipids and restore firmness, elasticity and radiance for visible firmness, elasticity and radiance resurfacing results – great for all skin types!
4. Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid (HA) can be found throughout our bodies to cushion and lubricate joints, skin and eye tissue. As a natural water-binding substance it has the capacity to hold 1,000 times its own weight in moisture; with age naturally decreasing levels of this essential hydrating substance; products containing it help replenish them.
As part of its benefits, moisture can help reduce fine lines by keeping skin hydrated; soften rough, dry skin; and improve texture. Furthermore, it speeds up natural cell turnover which may have become slower when our bodies become dehydrated.
Add an HA serum to your skincare regimen for optimal results. Apply a few drops onto damp skin before following up with your preferred moisturizer; ideal options include barrier-repairing camellia seed oil and dark spot-fading licorice root extract.
5. Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant, protecting cells against free radicals (unstable molecules with unshared electrons). Furthermore, Vitamin E also protects from UV damage to reduce fine lines and wrinkles by helping protect cells against free radicals and reduce UV-induced damage to reduce wrinkles over time.
Vitamin E’s tocotrienols provide additional anti-inflammatory benefits, helping maintain healthy blood vessels while inhibiting platelet aggregation and improving immune function. Furthermore, vitamin E serves as an excellent skin moisturizer.
Vitamin E pairs particularly well when combined with vitamin C, like in Mary Kay’s Supercharged Serum featuring both ingredients. * When applied topically, pure vitamin C and E work in unison to accelerate skin repair processes for younger-looking, healthier complexions* This power-packed serum makes an excellent addition to daily skincare regimes.
