Boost Stability, Brighten Skin, Fight Oxidation
Why Antioxidants Matter
In modern skincare formulation, antioxidants serve a dual purpose: they preserve product integrity and deliver potent skin benefits. These ingredients neutralize free radicals, combat oxidative stress, and enhance the longevity of oils and emulsions—making them essential in both water- and oil-based systems. Below, you’ll discover how each antioxidant functions, when to use it, and how to harness its full potential in your formulations.
1. Vitamin E
A time-honored antioxidant, Vitamin E is a lipid-soluble compound that shields oils from oxidation and nourishes the skin barrier. Beyond its preservative qualities, it enhances skin suppleness and helps repair environmental damage.
Vitamin E Oil Non-GMO All Natural
Sourced from natural vegetable oils, this d-alpha tocopherol is the biologically active form of Vitamin E and a powerful antioxidant that protects skin lipids and cell membranes from oxidative damage. It also supports skin barrier repair and hydration.
Skin Benefits:
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Neutralizes free radicals to prevent premature aging
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Supports skin healing and barrier restoration
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Improves the stability and shelf life of oil-based formulations
Formulation Insight:
Use at 0.5–2% in balms, facial oils, serums, and lotions for both antioxidant benefits and added emollience. Best suited for skincare where natural sourcing and high activity are priorities.
Vitamin E Oil – Mixed Tocopherols 95%
This highly concentrated blend offers 95% mixed tocopherols, including alpha, beta, delta, and gamma, providing broad-spectrum antioxidant protection. Ideal for formulations that require a powerhouse preservative system and antioxidant boost.
Skin Benefits:
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Potent antioxidant blend with varied tocopherol types
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Helps preserve oils and extend shelf life in natural products
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Offers anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties
Formulation Insight:
Use at 0.05–0.5% to stabilize carrier oils and essential oils in emulsions, balms, and oil serums. Particularly effective in high-performance skincare and haircare.
Vitamin E T50 Oil – Mixed Tocopherols
A balanced, all-natural blend of mixed tocopherols at 50% concentration, T50 is a great go-to antioxidant for clean formulations. It delivers broad protection while being gentle enough for sensitive skin products.
Skin Benefits:
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Antioxidant protection from a mix of natural tocopherols
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Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive
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Helps slow rancidity in oil-based formulations
Formulation Insight:
Use at 0.1–1% in lotions, butters, soaps, and oils. A staple ingredient in natural formulations requiring shelf life extension without synthetic preservatives.
2. Rosemary Extract
More than a culinary herb, rosemary offers powerful antioxidant protection. Its active compounds—carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid—are effective at delaying lipid rancidity.
Rosemary Extract (5% Carnosic Acid)
Our rosemary extract is CO2 extracted from the bark of the rosemary plant and contains a minimum of 5% Carnosic Acid, the active component and antioxidant.
Skin Benefits:
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Neutralizes free radicals that accelerate aging
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Reduces skin inflammation and redness
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Extends the freshness of oil-based formulas
Formulation Insight:
Use at 0.3–0.6% in facial oils, serums, and emulsions. Ideal for formulations requiring a clean-label preservative boost.
Rosemary Botanical Extract Powder
Rosemary Extract Powder is rich in antioxidants such as carnosic acid, rosmarinic acid, and ursolic acid. Known for its ability to combat oxidative stress and extend the shelf life of natural formulations, it also provides skin-purifying and soothing properties.
Skin Benefits:
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Protects skin cells from free radical damage
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Clarifies and tones, making it ideal for oily or blemish-prone skin
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Helps preserve the integrity of natural oils in formulations
Formulation Insight:
Use at 1–5% in toners, masks, facial cleansers, and serums.
3. Sea Buckthorn Fruit & Seed Oil
This vibrant orange oil is loaded with skin-nourishing nutrients like beta-carotene, tocopherols, and rare omega-7 fatty acids. It’s deeply restorative and ideal for mature, dry, or weather-damaged skin.
Skin Benefits:
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Regenerates skin tissue and supports elasticity
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Provides natural photoprotection
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Nourishes and soothes inflamed skin
Formulation Insight:
Use at 1–5% in the oil phase. Adds a rich golden hue and potent antioxidant properties to facial oils, creams, and masks.
4. Green Tea
A botanical powerhouse full of polyphenols and catechins, green tea extract is ideal for formulations targeting sensitive, oily, or acne-prone skin.
Green Tea 50% Polyphenols Powder (Water-Soluble)
This concentrated botanical extract boasts a high polyphenol content (50%), including catechins like EGCG, which are renowned for their free radical–fighting, anti-inflammatory, and sebum-regulating properties.
Skin Benefits:
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Protects skin from oxidative stress
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Reduces redness and irritation
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Helps balance oily and acne-prone skin
Formulation Insight:
Use at 0.5–5% in the cool-down phase of formulations to preserve antioxidant potency. Ideal for calming, clarifying, and anti-aging treatments.
Green Tea (Camellia) Seed Oil – Virgin (Oil-Soluble)
Cold-pressed from the seeds of the Camellia plant, this luxurious oil is rich in oleic acid, squalene, and natural vitamin E—making it a deeply moisturizing yet lightweight addition to your oil-based skincare products.
Skin Benefits:
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Locks in moisture without clogging pores
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Supports skin barrier repair
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Provides antioxidant protection while soothing inflammation
Formulation Insight:
Use at 2–20% in oil-based or anhydrous products, or as part of the oil phase in emulsions. Its silky texture and mild scent make it an elegant base for sensitive skin blends.
Matcha A5 & A6: Antioxidant-Rich Green Tea Powders
Matcha A5 and Matcha A6 are ultra-fine, culinary-grade green tea powders made from Camellia sinensis leaves and packed with antioxidants—especially chlorophyll, catechins, and polyphenols that help defend the skin against oxidative stress and pollution.
Skin Benefits:
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Detoxifies and soothes irritated or acne-prone skin
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Fights free radicals and signs of aging
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Helps tone and brighten complexion
Formulation Insight:
Use in clay masks, bath bombs, scrubs, or emulsified cleansers for a natural green hue and antioxidant boost. Combine with ingredients like honey powder, aloe, or goat milk for a calming spa-like experience.
5. Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone)
As we age, our natural CoQ10 levels decline, leading to sluggish cell repair and dull skin. Topical CoQ10 re-energizes skin cells and enhances resilience.
Skin Benefits:
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Boosts collagen synthesis and skin firmness
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Protects mitochondria from oxidative damage
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Reduces visible signs of fatigue and aging
Formulation Insight:
Use at 0.3–3%, typically pre-dissolved in oil before emulsification. Works synergistically with Vitamin E and other fat-soluble actives.
6. Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin is a deep red carotenoid derived from microalgae and is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants in nature—up to 6,000 times stronger than Vitamin C.
Astaxanthin Liquid Extract 10% - Oil Soluble
This oil-soluble form of astaxanthin delivers potent antioxidant benefits for balms, facial oils, and cream-based products. It’s especially effective in protecting the skin’s lipid barrier while enhancing elasticity and reducing signs of photoaging.
Skin Benefits:
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Fights oxidative damage in oil-based systems
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Supports barrier repair and smooth skin texture
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Boosts the skin’s resilience against environmental stressors
Formulation Insight:
Use at 0.15–1% in anhydrous products, oil serums, and emulsions. Its intense red hue brings natural color and high-performance antioxidant benefits to rich, nourishing formulas.
Astaxanthin 10% Powder – Water Soluble
A vibrant, water-dispersible antioxidant derived from microalgae, this version of astaxanthin is ideal for aqueous formulations like toners, gels, and emulsions. With antioxidant strength thousands of times greater than Vitamin C, it helps shield the skin from oxidative stress and environmental damage.
Skin Benefits:
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Protects against UV-induced free radicals
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Enhances skin hydration and elasticity
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Visibly reduces inflammation and fine lines
Formulation Insight:
Use at 2-10% in toners, serums, gel masks, and emulsions. Adds a rich coral hue and deep antioxidant support to water-based skincare.
7. Olive Squalane
While primarily used as an emollient, squalane also offers mild antioxidant protection. It mimics skin’s natural lipids, improving texture and absorption.
Skin Benefits:
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Locks in moisture and prevents transepidermal water loss
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Helps stabilize other oils prone to oxidation
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Supports skin elasticity without greasiness
Formulation Insight:
Use at 1–100%. Excellent as a base oil in face oils, serums, and lightweight creams.
8. Pomegranate Seed Oil
Rich in punicic acid and polyphenols, pomegranate seed oil is ideal for skin that’s stressed, inflamed, or in need of firming. It’s a powerhouse ingredient for anti-aging formulas.
Skin Benefits:
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Enhances collagen and elastin production
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Reduces redness and inflammation
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Provides light UV shielding from oxidative damage
Formulation Insight:
Use at 1–10% in both oil blends and emulsions. Excellent for barrier-repair and post-sun treatments.
9. Ferulic Acid
A synergistic antioxidant, ferulic acid not only defends skin from environmental damage but also enhances the stability of other actives like Vitamin C and E.
Skin Benefits:
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Brightens and evens skin tone
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Reduces fine lines and sun-induced damage
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Calms inflammation associated with oxidative stress
Formulation Insight:
Use at 0.5–1% in serums and emulsions. Typically solubilized with a carrier like propanediol or ethanol.
10. Black Cumin Seed Oil
This deep, golden oil is a traditional remedy with modern relevance. Its thymoquinone content gives it both antibacterial and antioxidant properties.
Skin Benefits:
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Clears blemishes and clogged pores
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Reduces redness and inflammation
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Restores barrier function
Formulation Insight:
Use at 1–10% in facial oils, balms, or spot treatments. Pairs well with lighter oils to balance its richness.
Final Thoughts
Antioxidants are more than buzzwords—they are essential building blocks for effective, stable skincare products. Whether you’re looking to extend shelf life, soothe inflamed skin, or reverse oxidative stress, these ingredients belong in every formulator’s toolkit.
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