Antioxidants in cosmetics. An effectiveness ranking based on data

Vitamin C brightens, supports collagen synthesis and neutralises radicals — but it is unstable and used up in a single reaction. Vitamin E protects cell membrane lipids, yet works similarly: one molecule, one reaction. Both ingredients remain valuable, but their antioxidant capacity is limited.

Coenzyme Q10 and resveratrol complement antioxidant protection and work well in ageing prevention. Niacinamide acts more broadly — it strengthens the barrier, regulates and evens the tone — which is why it more often plays the role of a partner to antioxidants than a standalone shield.

A fullerene is not used up in a single reaction — its carbon cage deactivates up to 34 radicals at once and keeps working. In comparisons of antioxidant activity, biological fullerenes achieve results up to 172× higher than vitamin C and up to 240× higher than vitamin E.

The conclusion? Well-composed care does not choose “either–or”: classic antioxidants still have their tasks, but it is worth basing the foundation of antioxidant protection on the molecule with the greatest capacity — biological fullerenes.