When it comes to achieving healthy, radiant skin, antioxidants are some of the most powerful (and underrated) ingredients in your skincare routine. Found naturally in ingredients like licorice root, green tea, vitamin C, and resveratrol, antioxidants work to protect your skin from environmental stressors—think pollution, UV rays, and free radicals—that contribute to premature ageing, dullness, and inflammation.
So, what exactly do antioxidants do? In short, they neutralise free radicals, which are unstable molecules that damage skin cells and accelerate ageing. By scavenging these free radicals, antioxidants help prevent fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and loss of firmness. They also support the skin’s natural repair process and strengthen the skin barrier, making your complexion more resilient and less prone to irritation.
Take green tea, for example—a powerhouse antioxidant that’s rich in polyphenols. It helps reduce inflammation, calm redness, and even control excess oil production, making it ideal for sensitive or acne-prone skin. Similarly, licorice root extract is beloved for its brightening and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help fade dark spots, calm irritated skin, and reduce redness, making it a favourite for those dealing with pigmentation or sensitivity.
Other antioxidants like vitamin C are excellent for boosting collagen production and delivering a visible brightening effect. Niacinamide (vitamin B3), another multitasking antioxidant, improves skin texture, fades discoloration, and supports barrier health. When layered into your routine consistently, antioxidants not only help protect against future damage but can also visibly improve the appearance of your skin over time.
What makes antioxidant-rich products especially valuable is their versatility. Whether you’re looking to prevent ageing, soothe sensitivity, reduce acne, or even out your skin tone, there’s likely an antioxidant that fits the bill. And because they pair well with most active ingredients—like retinol, hyaluronic acid, and exfoliating acids—they’re easy to integrate into your current skincare routine.
Incorporating antioxidants into your daily regimen is one of the most effective ways to future-proof your skin. Whether you prefer serums, moisturisers, tonics, or masks, choosing formulas rich in ingredients like green tea, licorice, and vitamin C can make a visible difference in both how your skin looks and how it feels.
SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF Vitamin C Antioxidant Serum
Formulated for oily and blemish-prone skin, this potent serum combines vitamin C, ferulic acid, and silymarin (milk thistle extract) to neutralise free radicals, reduce oil oxidation, and improve skin clarity. It brightens the complexion while helping prevent breakouts, making it ideal for those seeking antioxidant protection without congestion.
Dermalogica Antioxidant HydraMist
This refreshing facial mist delivers a burst of hydration while shielding skin from environmental stressors. Packed with white tea, licorice, and vitamin C, it firms, soothes, and helps fight premature ageing. Perfect for use throughout the day, it revitalises tired skin and reinforces your antioxidant barrier on the go.
Jan Marini Luminate Face Lotion
Combining brightening agents with powerful antioxidants, this lightweight lotion targets discolouration, fine lines, and sun damage. Licorice root, green tea extract, and non-irritating retinol work synergistically to even out skin tone and restore luminosity. It’s a multitasking treatment that promotes visibly clearer, younger-looking skin with consistent use.
Murad Essential-C Overnight Barrier Repair Cream
This nourishing night cream strengthens the skin barrier while delivering a potent dose of antioxidants, including vitamin C and maracuja oil. It works while you sleep to repair damage from pollution and UV exposure, hydrate deeply, and restore radiance. Wake up to smoother, more resilient, and visibly brighter skin.
Elemis Pro-Collagen Eye Revive Mask
Infused with antioxidant-rich algae, bush clover, and hyaluronic acid, this cooling eye mask targets puffiness, dehydration, and fine lines. It revitalises the delicate eye area and provides protection against environmental aggressors. Use as a 15-minute treatment or overnight mask for a well-rested, firm, and radiant under-eye glow.
Last updated on 24/07/2025.