The Ordinary, on July 3, 2026, explains on its U.S. website how antioxidants work in skincare and highlights specific antioxidant products for different skin types to address environmental stress.
The article said daily exposure to UV rays, pollution and stress could cause visible skin damage without skincare protection. It described oxidative stress as an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants that damages skin over time. Reported potential visible effects included uneven skin tone, dryness, redness, fine lines, wrinkles, barrier disruption and dullness.
The Ordinary explained that antioxidants mitigated the effects of free radicals by donating an electron and protecting collagen and elastin, with this stress described as “inflammaging.” It said adding antioxidants to daily regimens helped address visible environmental effects. It introduced Multi-Antioxidant Radiance Serum as a daily serum that combined antioxidant and protective technologies to combat environmental stressors.
The text listed vitamin C, vitamin E, resveratrol and ferulic acid as common skincare antioxidants and outlined their roles. It said vitamin C brightened dull skin and visibly evened tone, while vitamin E protected skin lipids from environmental stressors and helped moisturise dry skin. It added that resveratrol and ferulic acid supported radiance, collagen and visible anti-ageing benefits.
The Ordinary recommended Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Solution 20% in Vitamin F for dry skin and Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% for oily skin. It described EUK 134 0.1% and Multi-Antioxidant Radiance Serum as suitable options for sensitive skin. It positioned Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3% and Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% for mature skin.
The article described formulation features such as oil-like textures, water-free bases and vitamin C derivatives. It noted that some formulas used self-regenerating molecules or hyaluronic acid spheres to support hydration and radiance. It also listed common consumer questions about direct vitamin C, vitamin C derivatives and combining vitamin C with retinoids.
Source: https://theordinary.com/en-us/blog/what-are-antioxidants-in-skincare.html
