A-Z of Cosmetic Ingredients and Terms
Very reactive and potentially destructive molecules that have been shown to contribute to the ageing process of the skin and other tissues in the body.
Free radicals react with important skin components such as collagen and elastin, damaging their structure. Environmental factors such as exposure to UV light, pollution and smoking can promote the formation of free radicals.
Free radicals can be neutralised by antioxidants. Vitamin E is an example of an antioxidant. Free radicals react with vitamin E, or any antioxidant, in preference to DNA, proteins or cell structures, meaning that they are protected.
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