Question

(a) Why antioxidants are needed in cosmetics; (b) Common antioxidants in cosmetics; (c) The working principles of antioxidants; (d) Safety of antioxidants in cosmetics.

Answer 1

a) Antioxidants are useful active ingredients for the manufacturing of Cosmetics. Generally, antioxidants prevemt the oxidation reaction and prevent the effects of oxygen radicals such as peroxides, where oxidation and effects of oxygen radicals causes many damages the integrity and various functions of natural substances.

They prevent the degradation of natural ingredients such as proteins, lipids etc as well as they protect skin from damage and aging by reducing aging spots, sun spots and fine lines.

b) Common antioxidants used in Cosmetics are :-

1. Vitamin C

2. Retinol

3. Green and White tea

4. Polyphenols

5. Lipoic acid etc.

c) The working principle of antioxidants :-

Antioxidants prevent oxidation by inhibiting or scavenging the free radical generation. By oxidation reaction there may be a chance to damage the cells. Antioxidants prevent that damage by scavenging action. Antioxidants have the ability to capture unpaired electrons, both reactive species of oxygen and nitogen which act together with the former ones. They also replace heavy metals.

d) Antioxidants are safe for us in Cosmetics. It helps the skin to replace itself during a burning by preventing inflammation. Some antioxidants stimulate collagen protein which is vital for youthful skin. They prevent skin cancer. But high level of antioxidants, it may act as a pro oxidant which may damage cells. Some cause allergies, inflammation, nausea etc.