Alpha Lipoic Acid

Alpha lipoic acid is a sulfur-based antioxidant that's both water- and fat-soluble. It supports environmental defense and helps refine the look of texture and tone, though it can irritate in stronger formulas.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
An antioxidant that helps smooth texture, though it can irritate.
Category
Antioxidant, Anti-aging, Tone/Texture
Type
Antioxidant

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Fair

Comedogenic Risk

None

Skin Benefits

Offers antioxidant support that can help skin appear smoother and more luminous; results can vary and some users may experience sensitivity. May aid in refining the look of uneven texture.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

Often included in anti-aging serums or night creams targeting dullness and roughness. Sometimes combined with vitamins C or E in concentrated treatments.

Comedogenic Rating

This ingredient is not typically evaluated for comedogenicity, and no standardized rating is available.

Safety

Notable irritation potential; may cause stinging, burning, or transient redness; patch test first and avoid broken or highly reactive skin. Introduce slowly and do not layer initially with other strong acids/retinoids. No widely established regulatory restrictions at typical cosmetic levels.

Is Alpha Lipoic Acid a Good Ingredient?

This rates Fair: Provides antioxidant activity with some topical data, but benefits on texture/tone are inconsistent and the molecule can be unstable. It carries an irritation risk (stinging, redness), especially at higher concentrations or in potent treatments.

Products with Alpha Lipoic Acid

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