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Alpha-Lipoic Acid (Thioctic Acid)

A naturally occurring universal antioxidant that is both water- and fat-soluble — regenerating vitamins C and E in skin while providing its own potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and brightening effects.

Universal AntioxidantAnti-AgingBrighteningRegenerative
✓ Safe
Comedogenic Rating
0/5
Irritation Potential
0/5

What is it?

A universal water- and fat-soluble antioxidant that regenerates vitamins C and E, activates Nrf2 antioxidant defenses, inhibits glycation, and provides brightening through tyrosinase inhibition.

Provides comprehensive antioxidant protection in all skin compartments, activates Nrf2, reduces glycation-related aging, and inhibits tyrosinase for brightening.

Key Benefits

✦
Universal Antioxidant
Active in both water and lipid phases — protecting all cellular compartments that single-solubility antioxidants miss.
◈
Vitamin C and E Regeneration
The ALA/DHLA redox cycle regenerates oxidized ascorbate and tocopherol, multiplying their effective antioxidant capacity.
✧
Nrf2 Activation
Upregulates the master antioxidant transcription factor Nrf2, stimulating endogenous antioxidant enzyme production.
◉
Anti-Glycation
Inhibits the non-enzymatic glycation of collagen and elastin — reducing a key mechanism of skin aging and dullness.

Suitable for

Mature skinDull skinHyperpigmentation concernsAnti-aging routines

Main Actions

✓ Universal antioxidant✓ Vitamin C/E regeneration✓ Nrf2 activation✓ Anti-glycation
Stability Note

ALA is highly susceptible to oxidation — it must be formulated anhydrous or with careful stabilization. R-ALA (R-alpha lipoic acid) is the natural, biologically active form and is more potent than the racemic R/S mixture. Store products in cool, dark conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Alpha-Lipoic Acid (Thioctic Acid) do for skin?
Provides comprehensive antioxidant protection in all skin compartments, activates Nrf2, reduces glycation-related aging, and inhibits tyrosinase for brightening.
Who should use Alpha-Lipoic Acid (Thioctic Acid)?
Alpha-Lipoic Acid (Thioctic Acid) is suitable for: Mature skin, Dull skin, Hyperpigmentation concerns, Anti-aging routines.
Are there any warnings about Alpha-Lipoic Acid (Thioctic Acid)?
ALA is highly susceptible to oxidation — it must be formulated anhydrous or with careful stabilization. R-ALA (R-alpha lipoic acid) is the natural, biologically active form and is more potent than the racemic R/S mixture. Store products in cool, dark conditions.

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