Menadione

Menadione is a synthetic vitamin K analog (naphthoquinone) used in some cosmetics as an antioxidant stabilizer at low levels, though topical benefit evidence is limited and it carries a comparatively higher irritation risk.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
A synthetic vitamin K used to stabilize formulas, with some irritation risk.
Category
Antioxidant
Type
Antioxidant

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Poor

Comedogenic Risk

None

Skin Benefits

Intended to protect formulas and skin from oxidation, but evidence for topical skin benefits is limited and irritation can occur.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

Occasionally used in creams or serums at low levels as a stabilizing antioxidant component, and often excluded from sensitive-skin formulations.

Comedogenic Rating

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

Safety

Can cause irritation or sensitization; avoid on compromised skin and discontinue if burning, itching, or rash occurs.

Is Menadione a Good Ingredient?

The topical antioxidant benefit is weakly supported, and it carries a relatively higher irritation and sensitization risk than better-studied vitamin K forms, which is why it rates Poor.

Products with Menadione

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