Environmental pollutants can induce oxidative stress and produce free radicals, which can damage proteins, DNA, and cell membranes. This phenomenon results in wrinkles and fine lines, redness, dehydration, and volume loss. However, the use of antioxidants and metal-chelating agents in skincare formulation can be another strategy to counteract or prevent these induced harmful effects.
In a study, researchers evaluated the protective effects of a blend of antioxidants (15% L-ascorbic acid + 1% α-tocopherol + 0.5% ferulic acid) against damage caused by ozone-induced oxidative stress in human keratinocytes. The results showed that this skincare product protects cells from ozone-induced cytotoxicity, and reduces the formation of peroxidized lipids and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Additionally, an activation of Nrf2 and a regulation of the NF-κB signaling pathway were observed.
Here is a diverse selection of active ingredients that have demonstrated their protective effects:
Theferulic acid is the most common derivative of cinnamic acid, which has antioxidant activity and a protective role for the main structures of the skin (keratinocytes, fibroblasts, collagen, elastin). It acts as a free radical scavenger through electron and hydrogen transfer, but also as an inhibitor of enzymes that catalyze the generation of free radicals and an enhancer of the activity of antioxidant enzymes.
Thephytic acid is a natural plant-based inositol hexaphosphate that makes up 1 to 5% of most cereals, nuts, legumes, oilseeds, pollen, and spores. It is a potent inhibitor of the formation of iron-induced hydroxyl radicals, as it can form a unique iron chelate that becomes catalytically inactive. Phytic acid can also effectively inhibit lipid peroxidation.
The carotenoids, such as β-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and astaxanthin, also form part of the cellular defense system against free radicals. Indeed, they are capable of binding peroxyl radicals (ROO°) to stabilize them through their system of conjugated double bonds, thereby inhibiting the propagation of chain oxidations.
The phenolic compounds (polyphenols), derived from various plants, mitigate the cellular oxidative stress induced by pollutants. Their antioxidant power is attributed to their ability to trap free radicals by transforming them into more stable compounds through the donation of an electron or hydrogen atom, conferred by their aromatic structure, to chelate metallic ions, to reduce their production by inhibiting the activity of oxidation enzymes (xanthine oxidase, peroxide oxidase, lipoxygenase, etc.), and to enhance the cellular antioxidant capacity. Among the most commonly used phenolic compounds are quercetin, found for example in red onions and capers, resveratrol primarily found in grapes and Japanese knotweed, and curcuminoids contained in ginger and turmeric.
Theginseng extract (INCI: Panax Ginseng Root Extract) contains high levels of ginsenosides (about 30%), which gives it a strong antioxidant capacity. They could neutralize up to 80% of free radicals, protecting cell membranes and helping the skin defend against pollution and other environmental aggressions
Niacinamide is a water-soluble vitamin with antioxidant effects that aids in repairing damaged DNA. A study has found that niacinamide has inhibitory properties on PM2.5-induced ROS generation, as well as preventing the oxidation of molecules, such as lipids, proteins, and DNA, induced by PM2.5.
Phytosterols (plant sterols) are found in various oils derived from the seeds, roots, stems, leaves, and fruits of plants. They have proven useful in reducing the production of ROS, inflammatory responses, and cellular damage caused by particles. For example, fucosterol, a sterol that can be isolated from algae, increases the expression of antioxidant enzymes and manages to regulate the NF-kB and MAPK signaling pathways, thereby reducing the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
The vitamin C (INCI: Ascorbic Acid) is a water-soluble vitamin that aims to limit cell damage by acting as a reducing agent. Unstable, synthetic forms of vitamin C can be used, such as ascorbyl palmitate (INCI: Ascorbyl Palmitate), sodium ascorbyl phosphate (INCI: Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate ), ascorbyl glucoside (INCI: Ascorbyl Glucoside) and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (INCI: Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate).
The vitamin E (INCI: Tocopherol) is a term that encompasses a group of eight organic molecules: four tocopherols and four tocotrienols. Only the α-tocopherol meets human needs for vitamin E. It is capable of capturing and stabilizing peroxyl radicals produced during lipid peroxidation, which leads to the formation of a neutral species, thus reducing their harmfulness.