Choosing the best antioxidant serum for you | Our top picks
Antioxidant serums have become essential in any skincare routine, praised for their ability to protect and rejuvenate the skin. This form of vitamin is found naturally in our skin and is crucial for neutralising free radicals, which without treating, can damage cells, and accelerate ageing signs (such as fine lines and wrinkles ). In skincare, antioxidant serums provide numerous benefits, and we’re here to find one that meets your needs for optimum results.
In this guide, we’ll delve into why antioxidant serums should be an important part of your skincare routine, and provide our top picks for you to compare and choose from.
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How do antioxidant serums work?
Free radicals are unstable skin molecules generated by the body and external factors, such as UV rays, pollution, and smoking. To help stabilise themselves, these free radicals may steal electrons from healthy skin cells, causing oxidative stress, and leading to premature ageing, wrinkles, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation (like dark spots).
So, how do antioxidants resolve this issue? An antioxidant serum's formula comprises various compounds and active ingredients to neutralise free radicals and provide other benefits. These molecules donate electrons to the free radicals without becoming unstable themselves. This helps prevent unhealthy skin cells in the body, boosts skin repair, enhances hydration, and reduces inflammation.
Key antioxidant ingredients to look out for
Certain antioxidants may be more potent than others when combined in a serum. Ensure that you look at the active ingredients in the antioxidant serum to address your main concerns. Powerful antioxidants can become even more beneficial once combined, including:
Vitamin C: potent antioxidant that brightens the skin, boosts collagen production and reduces dark spots. Vitamin C is seen as the most effective antioxidant and is sometimes listed as ascorbic acid. Consider using the antioxidant serum in the morning to help prevent sun exposure and UV damage. Try this NeoStrata Enlighten 15% Vitamin C Serum.
Vitamin E: works well combined with vitamin C to protect and hydrate the skin. Vitamin E also helps speed up the skin’s healing process and is often found in moisturisers for dry skin. Try this Skiningredients Anti-Ageing Retinoid Serum, which contains vitamins A, C and E.
Ferulic acid: naturally found in plants like grains, fruits and vegetables. Ferulic acid helps neutralise the damaging effects of free radicals in the upper layers of skin and enhances the efficiency of vitamins C and E. Try this SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum.
Phloretin: helps neutralise damaging free radicals and improve discolouration, such as dark spots. Found in apple tree leaves, phloretin also helps improve skin cell regeneration and uneven skin tone. Try this Phloretin CF Serum from SkinCeuticals.
Resveratrol: helps with anti-ageing abilities and is found mostly in the skins of grapes and berries. Resveratrol has anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties, known also as the “longevity molecule”. Try this Caudalie Premier Cru Serum, blended with resveratrol, tightening sugars and niacinamide.
Green tea extract: rich in polyphenols, green tea extract (camellia sinensis) is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Try this IMAGE Ormedic Balancing Serum, containing various antioxidant extracts such as green tea, beet root, and turmeric.
Our top choices for antioxidant serums
Here at Meaghers, we stock some of the most popular and effective skincare brands. Two of our favourite picks are SkinCeuticals and IMAGE Skincare – popular brands who offer a range of skincare products, including a focus on antioxidant blends in their serums:
SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF 30ml
SkinCeuticals is best known for its pure vitamin C antioxidant skincare products, pioneering next-generation products for health and skin beauty. Their Silymarin CF Serum is a powerful vitamin C antioxidant serum that features a concoction of beneficial ingredients – all of which help enhance each other when applied together.
This serum’s superstar ingredient is the high concentration of ascorbic acid, a combination of vitamins C and E to provide protection against UV damage. This 15% pure vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a potent component of this effective serum.
Price: €185.00
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SkinCeuticals Serum 10
Another classic product from SkinCeuticals – their Serum 10 is a dual antioxidant treatment, containing a powerful mix of pure vitamin C (ascorbic acid) with ferulic acid. These star antioxidants work alongside moisturising active ingredients, glycerin and sodium hyaluronate, benefiting dry skin and restoring the skin barrier against irritation.
Price: €108.00
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IMAGE Ormedic Balancing Antioxidant Serum 30ml
This everyday serum from IMAGE is perfect for restoring balance and giving the skin a healthy glow, ideal for dry skin. IMAGE Ormedic Antioxidant Serum contains ingredients with excellent sources of antioxidants, including Kakadu plum (containing vitamin C and ellagic acid) and beetroot extract, which has excellent health benefits.
With a mixture of nutrient-rich organic grape water and hyaluronic acid, this Ormedic Serum hydrates the skin, as well as strengthens its defence against environmental factors that may cause free radicals in the body.
Price: €76.50
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IMAGE Vital C Hydrating Antioxidant A C E Serum 30ml
Price: €80.00
Customer rating: 5/5
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Vichy Liftactiv Supreme Vitamin C Serum 20ml
Price: €43.50
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Choosing the best antioxidant for your skin type
Selecting the right antioxidant serum is crucial for addressing your skin's specific needs and to avoid potential future issues. Here’s a guide to help you choose the best serum that will take your requirements into consideration with the best formula and ingredients:
Oily skin
If you have oily or blemish-prone skin, it’s essential to choose a serum that is lightweight and water-based. These types of antioxidant serums will absorb quickly and will not leave a greasy residue.
Key ingredients to look for include silymarin, which is known for its oil-control properties.
The best antioxidant serum for oily skin
Sensitive skin
Sensitive skin requires gentle, soothing ingredients to help reduce redness and irritation. For antioxidant serums, look for skin-replenishing ingredients known for their calming properties.
Key ingredients to look for include niacinamide (vitamin B3), green tea extract and aloe vera, which provide both antioxidant protection and lock in moisture.
The best antioxidant serum for sensitive skin
Dry skin
For dry skin, hydrating and moisture-retaining ingredients are crucial. Look for serums that include plant-based oils and humectants to nourish and soften the skin.
Key antioxidants and ingredients to look for include hyaluronic acid, which attracts and retains moisture (essential for dry skin), and plant-based oils such as olive and avocado.
The best antioxidant serum for dry skin
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best time of day to apply an antioxidant serum?
The best time to apply an antioxidant serum is during a morning skincare routine, as this will help protect your skin from environmental factors like UV rays and pollution throughout the day.
However, some antioxidant serums can also be used at night to aid in skin repair and rejuvenation while you sleep. Make sure to check the instructions before applying.
Can an antioxidant serum help with skin brightening?
Yes, an antioxidant serum can help with skin brightening. Ingredients like Vitamin C are particularly effective in brightening the skin by reducing hyperpigmentation and promoting an even skin tone. Regular use of such serums can result in a more radiant and glowing complexion.
