“There are so many antioxidants, and it’s nearly impossible to say which one is best,” says Omaha, NE dermatologist Joel Schlessinger, MD. “Whole systems to rate antioxidants have been developed and argued among dermatologists for years. Whatever the case, antioxidants are beneficial for every skin type, as they help neutralize cell-damaging free radicals.” These molecules come from exposure to the sun and other environmental factors like pollution, and accelerate skin aging. However, some antioxidants are better suited for certain skin types and skin concerns than others. If you have sensitive skin, Dr. Schlessinger recommends doing a patch test on your skin before applying a new product, with or without an antioxidant. “Or, consult with a board-certified dermatologist who can help guide you to the appropriate antioxidant formula,” he adds.
Featured Experts
- Dr. Deborah Longwill, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami
- Joel Schlessinger, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Omaha, NE
- Heidi Waldorf, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Nanuet, NY
The Antioxidant: Vitamin C
“Vitamin C is one of the most effective and ‘available’ of antioxidants to help neutralize oxidative stress,” Dr. Schlessinger explains. “Oxidative stress contributes to uneven skin tone, sun damage, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, dullness and rough texture. Ascorbic acid is an effective form of vitamin C that combines well with other types of antioxidants for additional benefits. While vitamin C is generally well tolerated in most skin types, it may cause irritation or redness in those with sensitive complexions. Therefore I recommend beginning with a lower concentration, such as 10 percent. The LovelySkin LUXE line of products are formulated with afaLUXE, which combines amino-based filaggrin antioxidants, ascorbic acid and Dead Sea minerals. This delivers the benefits with virtually no irritation.”
For those with dry skin who want to use a vitamin C product, Nanuet, NY dermatologist Heidi Waldorf, MD likes ISDIN Isdinceutics Flavo-C Ultraglican ampoules. “Along with vitamin C and ultraglycans, it contains peptides that help support the skin’s ability to hold moisture,” she says. “It also delivers hyaluronic acid for immediate hydration.”
The Antioxidant: Resveratrol
Resveratrol, an antioxidant typically derived from red grapes, is generally tolerated by all skin types, says Dr. Schlessinger. “It has been known to be a great antioxidant for anti-aging purposes. However, studies have also shown its benefits for acne-prone skin, given its antibacterial properties. Interestingly, Cleopatra used wine to improve her complexion, so she knew a thing or two about skin!”
“For all skin types, I recommend Caudalie Resveratrol-Lift Serum,” says Dr. Waldorf. “It combines the brand’s potent antioxidant resveratrol developed with Harvard Medical School and hyaluronic acid in a noncomedogenic, light serum.” For mature skin, she prefers the luxurious Caudalie Premier Cru Anti-Aging Cream. “It includes the resveratrol and hyaluronic acid to maintain moisture, but also viniferine. This is an antioxidant that is particularly helpful with dark spots.”
The Antioxidant: Niacinamide
“Niacinamide is beneficial for all skin types, but it’s particularly helpful if you have acne or sensitive skin,” says Miami dermatologist Dr. Deborah Longwill. “Niacinamide is a soothing antioxidant that improves skin texture and tone. It also has anti-inflammatory benefits, helps soothe breakouts and fights redness.” The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Oil Control Serum is a great option. It uses 10-percent pure niacinamide and 1-percent zinc PCA to unclog pores, reduce excess sebum and keep pimples at bay. Another niacinamide serum we recommend is OLAY Super Serum, a 2024 NewBeauty Award winner. Olay research has found that niacinamide reduces gene expression related to inflammation. This may help to explain how it calms blotchy red skin and protects skin from damage.
In 2017, a group of dermatologists researched 10 studies analyzing the effectiveness of niacinamide in treating acne. Their findings are published in Dermatology Therapy, but here’s one to note. “Six of eight studies using topical nicotinamide [niacinamide] led to a significant reduction in acne compared with the patient’s baseline or performed similarly to another standard-of-care acne treatment. Both studies using an oral supplement containing nicotinamide resulted in a significant reduction in acne compared with baseline. No major adverse side effects were noted.”
The Antioxidant: Vitamin E
If you have dry skin, Dr. Longwill recommends incorporating vitamin E into your skin-care regimen. “Vitamin E provides hydration, moisturization and anti-inflammatory benefits,” she says. Dr. Schlessinger agrees, noting that the antioxidant’s anti-inflammatory properties also help skin recover from UV-induced damage. “Vitamin E is also found in canola oil, almonds and peanuts, so you may be getting some in your diet, too,” he adds.
Vitamin E is included in thousands of skin-care products and is one of the most widely used ingredients. If you’re looking for a product where vitamin E is the star, we like Alpha-H Vitamin E Serum. However, you’ll often see the ingredient combined with other antioxidants, such as vitamin C and ferulic acid. Together, they are even more powerful at avenging free radicals and boosting skin health. For this combination, we recommend SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, which was the original formula to include the potent trio.
The Antioxidant: Retinol
You may be surprised to see retinol on this list, but it is in fact an antioxidant. “Retinol is the best antioxidant for people with normal skin types who want to target fine lines and wrinkles,” says Dr. Longwill. “It is best to incorporate retinol gradually, as it is strong, but it gives skin a smoother, more youthful finish.” If you have dry skin and want to use retinol, you can use “the sandwich technique.” This involves applying moisturizer (or a moisturizing serum), then retinol, and then another layer of moisturizer. Another technique is “buffering,” which involves mixing your retinol with your moisturizer to dilute it and then applying them together as one step. These tips also apply for those with sensitive skin.
Another way to use retinol with sensitive skin is to start with a low concentration (0.1 to 0.3 percent). You can also look for encapsulated retinol, which penetrates the skin more slowly to minimize the chance for irritation. Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum uses encapsulated retinol, and is a great option for beginners or those with sensitivities.
