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What are Antioxidants and Why Does Your Skin Need Them?

What are Antioxidants and Why Does Your Skin Need Them?
What are Antioxidants and Why Does Your Skin Need Them?

Every day, the skin is exposed to environmental stressors such as pollution, UV exposure, changes in climate and everyday oxidative stress. Over time, these factors can contribute to dullness and sensitivity.

Antioxidants help protect the skin by neutralising free radicals, to support the skin barrier and benefit overall skin health.

Skin Benefits of Antioxidants

In skincare, antioxidants are valued for their ability to support skin health in multiple ways, including:

  • Help protect the skin from environmental stressors and prevent damage
  • Support a brighter, more even-looking complexion
  • Maintain skin comfort and balance
  • Supporting and strengthening the skin barrier

Antioxidants work best with consistent, daily use, supporting skin health and resilience over time. They play an essential role in maintaining overall skin balance and are particularly beneficial for sensitive skin.


Key Antioxidant: Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a dermatologist-favoured ingredient and one of the most well-researched antioxidants in skincare, known for its brightening and protective benefits. When used topically, it delivers targeted support to the skin.


However, pure forms of Vitamin C present two key challenges: stability, how well the ingredient maintains its effectiveness over time, and tolerability, particularly for sensitive skin.


When thoughtfully formulated at appropriate concentrations and used as part of a broader antioxidant system, Vitamin C can support the skin more gently, delivering effective results without unnecessary irritation.


Antioxidants from Nature

Plants naturally produce antioxidants to protect themselves from harsh environments. Berries such as Nordic Cloudberry, Sea Buckthorn, Wild Blueberry, Lingonberry and Rosehip are naturally rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, making them valuable in skincare formulas designed to help defend against oxidative stress and support skin balance.


Beyond berries, antioxidants are also found in plant-derived compounds such as ferulic acid, naturally present in the cell walls of plants, and ergothioneine, sourced from mushrooms. These compounds help protect the skin from environmental damage and, within a formula, contribute to the stability and effectiveness of other antioxidants.

Clinical Research

Clinical research consistently shows that antioxidants help reduce oxidative stress, support skin resilience and protect against environmental damage when used regularly.


With Vitamin C, higher percentages don’t necessarily lead to better results. Research supports 2% as an effective, stable and well-tolerated concentration, particularly for daily use and for sensitive skin. It’s also important to distinguish between different forms of Vitamin C, as stability, tolerability and effectiveness can vary significantly.


Research also shows that antioxidants work synergistically. Ingredients like ferulic acid help stabilise and enhance Vitamin C, while ergothioneine and polyphenols from botanical extracts provide complementary protection. Together, these ingredients form a more balanced, skin-compatible antioxidant system.


Choosing your Antioxidant Serum

An antioxidant system that combines botanical antioxidants with clinically advanced actives offers a more harmonious approach to skin care. Rather than relying on a single ingredient, a thoughtfully designed antioxidant formula provides an additional layer of protection against everyday environmental stressors in a balanced, sensitive-skin-friendly way.


Our Vitamin C + Collagen Serum is built around this philosophy, combining a stable, gentle form of Vitamin C (Ascorbyl Glucoside) with ferulic acid, ergothioneine, and antioxidant-rich Nordic berries. The formula is further supported by plant-based collagen and hyaluronic acid, helping to hydrate, strengthen and support the skin barrier.


In summary, an effective antioxidant serum should brighten, protect and support long-term skin health while remaining kind to sensitive skin and promoting calm, healthy-looking radiance over time.