Glossary term / Chemistry
Antioxidant
A molecule that neutralises free radicals by donating an electron, preventing oxidative damage to skin cells.
01 / Definition
Full definition
Antioxidants protect cells by intercepting free radicals — unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and metabolic processes — before they can cause chain reactions that damage lipids, proteins, and DNA. They donate one of their own electrons to stabilise the free radical, becoming mildly oxidised themselves in the process. In skincare, antioxidants applied topically (vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid, niacinamide) form an additional layer of photoprotection and help reduce cumulative photodamage. They work best in combination: vitamin E regenerates vitamin C after it donates an electron, and ferulic acid stabilises both.
Examples
03 / Related terms