Which are the best antioxidants for skin? How important are antioxidants in skin care? How exactly topically applied antioxidants benefit our skin? Are the best antioxidant serums something that you should consider buying?
Just so you can have a clear picture about what we’re going to be discussing in this article, just think about how vitamin C serums have become the skincare products that everyone talks about or how a lot of us want to incorporate retinol in our beauty routine for the night or how we search for the everywhere-present vitamin E that we all heard of as we were growing up or how we nod our heads when green tea extract is included among ingredients.
And, just like that, I just mentioned 4 of the best antioxidants for skin care. We will be talking about each later on in this post and many more other effective antioxidants for skin.
But we will also be talking about how powerful these antioxidants become when they are brought together, when there’s a vast combination of them incorporated in the same skincare product.
Thus,
We will touch upon the best antioxidant serums, the really complex expensive ones that are wonderful and fantastic and all the superlatives but exceed the budget of so many people and the more affordable ones, the cheap best antioxidant serums that can satisfy our need for antioxidants for a healthy glowing skin without breaking the bank.
It’s going to be a long article but full of wonderful discoveries.
Contents
Do Antioxidants in Skin Care Really Work?
To put it simply, antioxidants are essential for maintaining a healthy skin. Antioxidants fight free radicals, which have been linked to numerous health conditions, including cancer and premature aging. The latter actually concerns us since we’re here to talk about skin care not about horrible wretched diseases.
Antioxidants in skin care really work because:
- they protect the skin on our face, neck, and chest from UV rays and environmental factors (pollutants)
- antioxidants can reverse sun damage
- they slow-down the aging process, fade fine lines and decrease the appearance of wrinkles by stimulating collagen production
- decrease hyperpigmentation
- brighten our complexion
- fade age spots, help in the fight against acne by increasing cellular turnover
- strengthen our skin barrier
- and calm the skin
Those are the main benefits that antioxidants bring but it doesn’t mean that each antioxidant individually has all these benefits.
That’s the melting pot.
It’s important to get to know the best antioxidants for skin individually so that you know how to properly incorporate each one in your routine and how to use them to get the maximum benefits.
Including antioxidants in our skincare routine really works and is a thing that everyone should consider.
Antioxidants in over-the-counter skincare products have become increasingly popular and everyone wants to include at least a few of them in their routine.
There are many best antioxidants for skin, each has its own role but including a bunch of them is really the key to youthful glowing looks for years to come.
My first experience, the product that really turned me on the path of how important antioxidants are for the skin, was a vitamin C serum. It was the first serum that I bought, it expanded my horizons and made me understand that antioxidants in skin care really work.
The Best Antioxidants for Skin
Before talking about the best antioxidants for skin and what they can actually do for us, I just want to remind everyone that the foundation of any skincare routine is face washing twice daily, moisturizing twice daily, and wearing sunscreen every single day of the year.
UV rays age our skin like nothing else, except smoking, by damaging elastin and collagen fibers. Besides skin cancer, the next concern is wrinkles and brown spots. It’s also known as photoaging.
Once the foundation is taken care of, it’s time to build up on that and the next step is to consider using at least one antioxidant serum daily.
Vitamin C – Anti-Aging Wonder, Photodamage Protection
For many of us, the word antioxidant is actually synonymous with vitamin C. When we think about how important antioxidants are for our skin, we actually think about how awesome our vitamin C serum is and how we can’t wait to apply it every morning.
Vitamin C has become one of the most coveted skincare ingredients. It’s easy to see why. Here are the most important vitamin C benefits when applied topically:
- increased protection from UV rays, both UVA and UVB, and all the damage they can cause – it’s actually why I apply a vitamin C serum every morning no matter the season
- brightens up the skin – it’s one of the best antioxidants for that
- increased collagen production and reduction in collagen breakdown – a powerful anti-aging ingredient without a doubt but maybe not on the same level as retinol
- firmer smoother-looking skin with a more even tone
- it contributes to a more resilient skin that fends off environmental factors
- it is considered to help with fading acne scars, as well – it has definitely helped with mine but I also think that the passage of time has more than contribute its fair share to scars fading so, don’t imagine that it will work miracles in this area
- potentially hydrating, calms and soothes the skin, inhibits the skin’s inflammatory response – it’s good for those suffering from acne
There are many forms for vitamin C:
- L-ascorbic acid is the pure form, the one with the most benefits, the most studied but also pretty unstable and water-soluble – it’s combined with vitamin E and ferulic acid to make it more stable and increase its potency, another powerful combination with increased effectiveness and stability is L-ascorbic acid, tyrosine, and zinc sulphate
- tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate is a vitamin C derivative that is oil-soluble and it’s considered to come the closest to the many benefits of L-ascorbic acid, it’s also more stable
- ascorbyl palmitate, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate are among the many vitamin C derivatives that can be found in serums, cleansers, moisturizers, body lotions etc.
Since one of its main benefits is the protection against sun damage, it’s only logical that you should use a vitamin C serum during the day.
The very good thing about vitamin C is that it works for all skin types. There are no actual side-effects. It has soothing and even somewhat hydrating benefits.
You still need to use a moisturizer. Followed by a sunscreen, for sure. Or a moisturizer with SPF.
A 10% concentration is a very good start, the maximum being 20%. Those with maximum concentration are very expensive.
My opinion is:
Even a very affordable vitamin C serum is a lot better than not using any. CeraVe has such a serum, give it a thought.
I wrote a post featuring the best vitamin C serums, read that one if you’re interested in integrating this antioxidant in skincare routines.
Retinol (Vitamin A) – Potent Anti-Aging, Skin-Restoring Ingredient, Anti-Acne
I won’t be talking about vitamin A in general, the most powerful form of it actually being Retin-A but that can only be obtained with prescription.
Instead, the focus will be on retinol, another vitamin A derivative, that is very powerful but it just takes a bit longer until the benefits become truly noticeable.
Retinol is the vitamin A form that is found in over-the-counter serums and creams and, since this is the one accessible to everyone around the world, this is the one I’ll be focusing on.
There’s no doubt about it, retinol is a very powerful antioxidant for skin that everyone wants to use, everyone wants to see how their skin will look like after several months of use.
Nevertheless,
It’s also the most complicated of these best antioxidants for skin. When it comes to antioxidants for skin there’s no other that has as many side-effects and that requires a certain thoughtfulness and a few instructions.
There are many retinol benefits so, let’s talk about those first:
- first thing first, this is an anti-aging skincare ingredient
- it will reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- when it comes to expression lines (laugh lines, crow’s feet, frown lines between eyebrows) not even retinol will be able to smooth them out, their deep-wrinkles appearance will fade out a bit with continuous use but those type of wrinkles cannot be gone just from using topical anti-aging products, that’s the realistic expectation that you must have
- retinol works so well because it speeds up cell turnover – newer cells are produced more quickly
- this cell turnover is why retinol works well against breakouts (the common cause of all acne forms are clogged pores)
- it also contributes to thicker skin
- it’s not an exfoliant, after all we’re talking about retinol under the best antioxidants for skin, I still recommend using a chemical exfoliator on the nights that you’re not using retinol creams/serums to remove dead skin cells and let the newly created ones reveal a smooth radiant youthful appearance
- it increases collagen production
- it will make pores look smaller
- brightened up skin
All these benefits are wonderful. Who wouldn’t want to enjoy all of that?
Before that,
You need to know about the side-effects: dried out skin, flaking skin, peeling, irritation.
This antioxidant is an exception: it needs to be introduced gradually into your routine. Opting for a moisturizer with retinol is a solution, that won’t irritate the skin. On the other hand, a retinol serum is another thing entirely.
Another major aspect to remember:
Retinol is again in the minority among antioxidants for skin because it causes sun sensitivity. You must always use it at night and always apply a sunscreen the next day.
It’s a difficult antioxidant, especially for those with sensitive skin, but one with impressive benefits. If you want to read everything you need to know about it, read my best retinol creams for beginners post, it’s a complete guide.
Vitamin E – Moisturizing, Protection from UV Rays
This is one antioxidant that we’ve known of for ages. It’s all incredibly good and essential. Thankfully, it is present everywhere and works for all skin types.
It is oil-soluble, it penetrates the dermis with ease.
In the list of ingredients of products, you will find it under the name tocopherol or tocopheryl acetate. It can be derived either from natural sources (vegetable oils, wheat germs) or created synthetically.
The natural forms are more effective but no skincare product will mention what type of vitamin E they use.
There is one other antioxidant that this one pairs well with: vitamin E (lipid-soluble) works in synergy with vitamin C (water-soluble in its pure form – L-ascorbic acid). These two definitely work better together than alone, they’re a power couple.
Vitamin E is an awesome antioxidant for skin because:
- it can absorb the energy from UV light – another antioxidant that protects the skin against photodamage, that is its main role, just like is the case with vitamin C (these are defense antioxidants)
- anti-inflammatory benefits – can reduce UV-induced skin swelling
- possible effects on wound healing, although the studies are not clear on that
- moisturizing properties (it is widely present in moisturizers and body lotions) – it alleviates dryness, itching, and flaking skin
Resveratrol – Anti-Aging, Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Microbial
This is one particular antioxidant for skin that is not so often heard of, it’s definitely not as popular as the ones mentioned above.
It’s still new so, there aren’t a lot of studies related to its benefits for the skin. More research has been done regarding its help in maintaining heart health. Resveratrol was linked to the French paradox: the French have a lower risk of coronary heart disease due to their religious consumption of red wine.
What exactly is resveratrol?
Resveratrol is found in grapes, red wine, peanuts, blueberries, cranberries, cocoa, and dark chocolate. It provides plants with a barrier against insect attacks so, does it also protect the skin?
Fortunately, the answer is yes.
It does have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, which can help in slowing down breakouts.
According to DermatologyTimes, resveratrol inhibits the growth of acne-causing bacteria (doesn’t kill it, just inhibits its growth). But it does seem to enhance the capabilities of benzoyl peroxide of killing acne-causing bacteria.
A literal killing combination between an antioxidant (resveratrol) and an oxidant (benzoyl peroxide).
It’s also good at stimulating collagen production and it offers protection from UV rays and pollutants.
Its most prominent benefit is as an anti-aging agent but it can also help with skin pigmentation disorders.
It brightens up the skin and it can be found in eye creams, alongside polyphenols and flavonols, for its brightening and anti-aging properties.
Niacinamide – Anti-Inflammatory, Strengthened Skin Barrier, Smaller Pores, Anti-Aging
Niacinamide is an antioxidant because due to its antioxidant capabilities, it inhibits oxidative processes.
Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, has quickly become the word on everyone’s lips. It has gained immense popularity in the last years.
It’s one of the best antioxidants for skin, without a doubt. An ingredient that a lot of people want to try to see if it’s really as good as it’s marketed to be.
It should be as famous as vitamins C, A, and E.
It is water-soluble but also very stable, light and air don’t lessen its potency.
Niacinamide can be used together with vitamin C, they actually work well together. You can either layer them on or use vitamin C and niacinamide incorporated in the same serum/cream. It’s a fantastic combination for effectively diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and for a more even skin tone and radiant complexion.
The good news is:
Niacinamide works well for all skin types and the well-deserved fame is due in part to this aspect but also due to the fact that it’s so versatile that it forms part of the solution to many skin-related concerns.
It has very interesting impressive benefits that indicate that it’s not a passing fad but a reliable skincare ingredient worthy of being included in any skincare routine, one that will continue to gain even more popularity and appreciation:
- it has become famous for its anti-inflammatory properties – since acne is an inflammatory condition, in some serums and creams, niacinamide is combined with zinc (another anti-inflammatory) to minimize the appearance of breakouts (this combination is in no way an acne treatment but it has the potential of lessening the intensity of breakouts that one might experience)
- what I really truly like about niacinamide as a very good antioxidant for skin is its power of strengthening the skin barrier, diminishing the impact of environmental damage – it’s such an essential aspect of having a healthy skin, more so in the case of those with dry sensitive skin
- it helps strengthen the skin barrier by helping the body with the natural production of ceramides – ceramides are often overlooked but they’re extremely important for the skin barrier, for helping it retain moisture, for contributing to a plump firm smooth appearance
- a healthy skin barrier locks in moisture, leading to a vibrant smooth appearance, free of redness or inflammation – you can’t fight dryness, wrinkles or acne without maintaining a healthy skin barrier
- very appreciated for its ability to make pores appear smaller (pore size is genetic, you can’t actually shrink them but certain ingredients and procedures can make them look smaller) – it tightens the pores by normalizing oil production and it has a role in keeping pores from getting clogged
- obviously, a very good anti-aging ingredient – we get smoother skin surface, reduction in skin roughness, significant improvement in fine lines, wrinkles, and skin elasticity by increasing collagen and protein production
- reduced facial hyperpigmentation, especially if you apply sunscreen daily
Green Tea – Anti-Aging and Anti-Inflammatory
Just like it’s the case with vitamin E, the power of green tea and tea extracts in general has been known for ages.
As a potent antioxidant for skin, green tea has an already established reputation. It works applied topically but you should also drink green tea daily. It can easily replace your afternoon coffee and you will get a lot more benefits.
It’s definitely immensely popular for:
- fights premature aging by eliminating free radicals and by reducing the oxidation of proteins
- protects against UV rays
- anti-inflammatory
- decreases collagen breakdown
Antioxidants for Skin from our Diet
I am all for the topical application of antioxidants but I am so much more in favor of a topical application combined with a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
It’s not easy, a balanced diet requires time and money and sometimes eating vegetables that don’t make our taste buds dance, it’s much more easier to buy a serum and apply it once a day but we must strive to have a good diet. Things are so much more easier in the summer.
The list of fruits and vegetables and others (meat, fish, drinks) that provide our body with a variety of antioxidants is very long so, let’s just cover some of them:
- the very well-known berries (blueberries the most famous of them all)
- prunes, black plums
- raisins and red grapes
- oranges, mango, peaches, watermelon, kiwi, lemon, papaya, grapefruit
- cherries
- the green things (kale, spinach, Brussels sprouts, alfalfa sprouts, broccoli)
- beets, red bell peppers, onions, eggplants, corn
- almonds, avocado, peanuts, sunflower seeds
- fish, shellfish, beef, poultry, barley, brown rice
- tea, cocoa, red wine
Top 10 Best Antioxidant Serums
Since pretty much everyone has acknowledged that antioxidants are an essential part of a healthy skin, there has been an abundance of antioxidant serums, every day more and more pop up, all claiming to do wonders for the skin.
It’s hard to keep up with all of them. It gets dizzying and overwhelming. I must admit that I am rather conservative when it comes to my skincare products.
I will only try a product after I’ve researched everything there is on the ingredients list, if those skincare ingredient combinations actually work or they’re just thrown in there to sound good, and I like manufacturers that have a bit of history, those that actually employ research to concoct their skincare products.
There’s a very limited number of skincare products that you can use in a day, each spot should be earned.
Having dry sensitive skin and being acne-prone with adult acne going on for several years now can make you very cautious about skincare products in general. I am extremely fortunate that I fall in the mild acne category, reaching moderate stages one week before menstruation and a few days during and after.
Thankfully,
I can employ all that research in my posts. For example, now I’ll review a few of the best antioxidant serums that will satisfy all budgets and all needs and they’re all going to be very good, indeed.
All these best antioxidant serums measure 1 oz, like it’s usually the case with serums of all kinds.
1. CeraVe Vitamin C Serum – Cheapest Best Vitamin C Serum
If you’re looking for a first cheap experience with a best antioxidant serum for daytime, you couldn’t do better that the CeraVe Vitamin C Serum.
It’s a really great skincare product to try. The ingredients are simple but crucial for our skincare health, exactly what we have come to expect from CeraVe.
With this best antioxidant serum, which is so very affordable, we get:
- 10% pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) – this concentration is not high but no so low either, it works perfectly for beginners
- 3 essential ceramides, which are such an important ingredient for the skin’s barrier and its ability to retain moisture
- hyaluronic acid
- vitamin B5 (panthenol) – moisturizing and healing abilities
This is a basic vitamin C serum, a decent concentration with some important additional ingredients for hydrating and maintaining a healthy skin.
You will get to enjoy all the protection that vitamin C offers against photodamge and for preventing the aging of the skin.
Always apply it during your morning routine.
Serums should be applied after cleansing. You can use a toner after face washing or you can jump straight to your best antioxidant serum, which the CeraVe Vitamin C Serum can be an awesome representation for.
It also puts emphasize on brightening up the skin, which most vitamin C serums are advertised to do. It works well for all skin types, including those with sensitive skin or acne-prone skin.
2. Obagi Professional-C Serum 20% – Perfect Vitamin C Serum
Above, I talked about the cheapest best vitamin C serum but let me show you the other end of the spectrum. Let’s talk about one of the most expensive vitamin C serums and one of the absolutely best antioxidant serums.
What so special about it?
The Obagi Professional-C Serum 20% doesn’t boast a long list of ingredients. It doesn’t have to when there is something that makes it stand out from a very big crowd of antioxidant serums.
It contains 20% pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid). It is the highest percentage of pure vitamin C that a serum can have and this Obagi serum has exactly that.
It’s something rare but still, the price is very high.
The other ingredient worth mentioning is hyaluronic acid. And that’s it. Very simple, very powerful, very expensive. These are the perfect words to describe it.
It is highly praised by those who have used it for an array of reasons:
- visibly brightened skin
- what positive impact it has on those who suffer from eczema and dry skin
- faded brown spots
- disappeared fine lines
- smaller pores
All the properties for which vitamin C is one of best antioxidants for skin and this serum accomplishes them easily.
If you have sensitive skin, starting off with such a high concentration might be a bit too much. Get one with 10% pure vitamin C and then move up to something as powerful as this best antioxidant serum.
As always, apply it in the morning, before moisturizer and sunscreen.
3. CeraVe Anti Aging Retinol Serum – Cheapest Best Retinol Serum
We’ve talked about how important vitamin C is as one of the best antioxidants for skin for daytime but now, let’s switch our attention to our nighttime routine. It’s when we can consider using retinol as a best antioxidant for skin.
Since I try to recommend affordable skincare products whenever I find something really good, products that anyone could afford, I really want to talk to you about the CeraVe Anti Aging Retinol Serum.
There are actually two CeraVe retinol serums and they both deserve to be on this list for the best antioxidant serums.
They are both fragrance-free, paraben-free, non-comedogenic.
The Anti Aging Retinol Serum is for preventing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. With that purpose in mind, it contains:
- encapsulated retinol – it’s considered to be a more stable form of retinol because it’s enveloped in a protective barrier, being slowly and deeply released into the skin, with a smaller risk of side-effects, which means that you can use this serum every night from the beginning
- 3 essential ceramides
- hyaluronic acid
- niacinamide – another ingredient included in my post as one of the best antioxidants for skin
The other CeraVe Retinol Serum that I mentioned is for post-acne marks and skin texture, it’s a resurfacing retinol serum.
The depressing part about acne is not only the constant pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads that we have to deal with. As if all that wasn’t more than enough, we also have to deal with the aftermaths of acne – post-acne marks.
This resurfacing retinol serum from CeraVe was created to deal with that, to enable our skin to achieve a healthy-looking texture, a refined brightened skin texture without redness, inflammation, and marks, and less breakouts in combination with an anti-acne facial cleanser, toner, and the rest.
The CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum contains the same encapsulated retinol together with the same 3 essential ceramides and niacinamide but it also includes licorice root extract for evening out skin tone and fighting hyperpigmentation.
Always follow-up a retinol serum with a moisturizing cream for your skin type.
These CeraVe retinol serums are not exactly powerful and that’s why they can be used every night from the beginning.
The same cannot be said about best antioxidant serums that are focused on delivering a high concentration of retinol. Each comes with its own instructions, pay attention to them.
4. Paula’s Choice Super Antioxidant Serum with Retinol – Best Serum with Retinol for Dry Sensitive Skin
This best antioxidant serum with retinol is actually described as a deep hydration serum.
Obviously, since it contains a bunch of antioxidants, it’s primarily an anti-aging product. A pretty affordable option actually.
It is really a very interesting combination.
It’s not easy to find the words hydration and retinol thrown together when it comes to a serum. It’s only applied to moisturizers with retinol.
And just like a moisturizer, this is one of the few rare instances when a serum with retinol can be used twice daily.
It’s perfect for those who want to incorporate retinol as an awesome antioxidant for skin into their routine, without worrying about the side-effects.
It works for all skin types, including very dry skin. It’s a gentle anti-aging serum, good for sensitive skin and even for those prone to eczema.
It’s a combination of oils, retinol, a few other antioxidants, and a bunch of extracts.
I’ll just name a few since the list is full of wonderful ingredients: olive oil, vitamin E, retinol, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (vitamin C derivative), green tea, adenosine (another skin-restoring ingredient for fighting wrinkles), grape seed extracts.
You should still apply a moisturizer and a sunscreen if you’re using it during the day as well.
5. Dr. Dennis Gross B³Adaptive SuperFoods Stress Rescue Super Serum – Best Niacinamide Serum
This best antioxidant serum definitely has an interesting name.
But you’ll notice the mention of B3 directly in its name, which means that this is a serum focused on niacinamide, another best antioxidant for skin.
It’s interesting to analyze a serum that addresses and tries to mitigate the effects that stress has on our skin.
The immediate effects that stress has on my skin are more breakouts and a duller lifeless skin tone but there are other effects that only become noticeable in time, like stress lines or worry lines. Wrinkles that can become deep over the years and only very expensive professional treatments can fill them in.
If you are fighting with any of these problems – fine lines, breakouts, dullness, redness, irritation – and you want to incorporate niacinamide into your skincare routine, this Dr. Dennis Gross might be what you’re looking for.
And it’s good for all skin types.
It can be used either in the morning or in the evening, depending when you feel like applying it, followed by a moisturizer.
Besides niacinamide, which is the star of the show included right at the beginning on the list of ingredients, there are others to get excited about:
- ashwagandha – high in antioxidants, a good adaptogen that supports the body’s ability to deal with stress, it also has antimicrobial anti-inflammatory properties
- goji – a superfood and adaptogen with extended properties from brightening up the skin tone to boosting up its immunity and reducing redness
- there is also a very long list of extracts and oils (even though it contains a few oils, it works very well for oily and combination skin and it’s non-comedogenic)
However,
While the above serums are on the cheaper side, this one is for sure on the more expensive side. When you hear the name Dr. Dennis Gross you don’t think of affordable prices.
If you want to try niacinamide at a so much cheaper price, check out the The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%.
6. Eminence Organic Eight Greens Youth Serum – Natural Best Antioxidant Serum
There’s one thing that we can always expect from Eminence – a very long list of ingredients, a large majority natural, some of them organic.
Since this is called a youth serum, you pretty know that this is an anti-aging best antioxidant serum.
But the unexpected effect that some users have said that it helped them with hormonal acne.
It definitely works for all skin types, including oily skin and acne-prone skin and it also hydrates dry skin.
Some might even prefer using this best antioxidant serum with natural ingredients instead of a moisturizer during the summer.
And the price is not scary.
It’s not exactly an anti-aging miracle serum but it’s a fantastic skincare product with unexpected benefits.
The ingredients include antioxidants like yucca extract, flaxseed extract, hops extract, chasteberry, Coenzyme Q10 and alpha lipoic acid plus paprika for invigorating and rejuvenating the look of skin.
7. Image Skincare Ormedic Balancing Antioxidant Serum – Hydrating Serum
Image has a fantastic vitamin C serum but this time I actually want to talk about their Ormedic Balancing Antioxidant Serum.
It has some very impressive natural ingredients that sound really good and the price is not outrageous, although not cheap either.
Let’s first establish whom this serum is for. It’s the kind of serum that wants to help people achieve an overall healthy skin, a properly hydrated balanced glowing skin.
It’s perfect for dry, irritated skin. It’s not for oily skin but it can work for combination skin.
It also provides the daily needed antioxidant protection against environmental damage. It can easily replace a vitamin C serum.
The ingredient that stands out is Kakadu plum (terminalia ferdinandiana), an antioxidant that has all the benefits that vitamin C has.
Another ingredient with antioxidant properties is beet root extract.
It also contains aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, green tea extract, and vitamin E.
8. Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum – Powerful Best Antioxidant Serum with Retinoids
Sunday Riley is a brand that never fails to impress me.
I must admit that their very high prices often dampen my enthusiasm but it’s enough to read the list of ingredients and the enthusiasm skyrockets once again. Their products definitely cause me mood swings.
This powerful best antioxidant serum with retinoids aims to minimize signs of aging. It strives to impress users with how fast it can smooth out the skin.
Besides the rapid effects it has on fine lines and wrinkles, it’s also good for improving the look of congested and UV damaged skin.
It’s a best antioxidant serum to be used during the night because it packs a powerful concentration of retinoids.
It’s a skincare product that’s well-thought and well-executed.
The ingredients are simply great:
- 6.5% solution of stabilized retinoid blends and botanical, retinol-alternative extracts – it comprises of hydroxypinacolone retinoate, retinol (1%), and blue-green algae as a natural retinol-alternative
- CoQ10, vitamin E are other two powerful antioxidants, CoQ10 is famous for its anti-aging properties
- honey extract for soothing the skin and offering a more even complexion together with hyaluronic acid, bisabolol, cactus extract, ginger, and shea butter
If you choose the Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum as your first retinol experience, take it easy, pace yourself.
Read the instructions and follow them. In the beginning, you can only use it twice a week, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Sunday Riley doesn’t say that those who haven’t used retinol before shouldn’t start off directly with their powerful best antioxidant serum with retinoids but I would advise you to be careful because it does have a high concentration of retinoids.
You must always apply it on completely dry skin. Always follow it up with a nourishing moisturizer and always wear sunscreen during the day.
It works for all skin types.
9. Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex 30% – Unique Antioxidant Blend
If some of the above best antioxidant serums are expensive, they still don’t come close the price of the Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex 30%.
It’s a gathering of powerful ingredients, some unique like the MelaPATH™ Technology (patent-pending blend of powerful antioxidants, created for combating free radicals caused by blue light from electronic devices).
This serum is innovative because it aims to support the skin’s natural production of vitamins C and E and it wants to support the skin’s microbiome with prebiotic technology.
That’s not something you hear often and the Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex 30% is unique.
It’s much more than a vitamin C serum, it even takes the effect that the blue light from electronic devices has on our skin.
It works for all skin types, as long as you can afford this exclusive antioxidant blend.
10. iS Clinical Pro-Heal Serum Advance Plus – Best Antioxidant Serum for Acne, Skin Healing, Anti-Aging Benefits
Writing this article on the best antioxidant for skin hasn’t been easy but it has been a pleasure because it also helped remind myself how important antioxidants are for our skin’s health.
Thus,
What better way to end these short reviews for the best antioxidant serums than by talking about the iS Clinical Pro-Heal Serum Advance Plus?
This is a serum that seems to have an answer to most skincare problems:
- it’s a blend of botanicals for those who look for natural ingredients in their skin routine (bioflavonoids)
- it’s a vitamin C serum with pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) combined with olive leaf extract for increased antioxidant protection
- it strives to treat acne, rosacea, contact dermatitis
- it contains zinc sulfate for reducing inflammation, kojic acid from mushroom extract for preventing blemishes
- it has two other powerful antioxidants, retinol and vitamin E, for their anti-aging benefits
It works for all skin types and it’s best used during daytime.
I’m truly glad to be concluding this very long article, full of useful information on the best antioxidants for skin, I hope you find the direction you need to take in order to protect, heal, strengthen, brighten, and nourish your skin.
