Superoxide Dismutase

Superoxide dismutase is an antioxidant enzyme sourced from biotechnology or plants for cosmetic use. It appears in formulas targeting reactive oxygen species, though data on its topical stability and real-world effectiveness are limited.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
An antioxidant enzyme that helps defend skin from environmental stress.
Category
Antioxidant
Type
Antioxidant

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Fair

Comedogenic Risk

None

Skin Benefits

It helps defend skin from environmental stressors for a fresher, less dull appearance; topical benefits may vary due to stability concerns, and evidence for strong visible change in leave-on products is limited.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

It's included in serums, eye creams, and moisturizers, often alongside vitamins C and E for antioxidant support.

Comedogenic Rating

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

Safety

It's usually well tolerated with low irritation potential; discontinue if redness or itching develops. No widely recognized cosmetic concentration restrictions apply. Effectiveness and tolerability depend on the specific formulation and stabilization.

Is Superoxide Dismutase a Good Ingredient?

It rates Fair: although SOD is a potent antioxidant enzyme, its topical stability and delivery are uncertain, so visible benefits in leave-on products are inconsistent. Irritation risk is generally low, but sensitization can occur in some individuals.

Products with Superoxide Dismutase

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