Antioxidant ·
Alpha Lipoic Acid
INCI: Thioctic Acid
What is it?
A naturally occurring, both water- and fat-soluble antioxidant, marketed in skincare as alpha lipoic acid (ALA) or thioctic acid.
What does it do?
Dual water/fat-soluble antioxidant -- a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled split-face trial (33 women, 12 weeks) found a 5% alpha lipoic acid cream significantly improved measures of facial photoaging, including a 50.8% reduction in skin roughness by laser profilometry versus 40.7% for the placebo-treated side of the face.
How to use
Typically formulated at 5% (studied concentration in the split-face RCT).
Sources
This page provides general skincare information and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Ingredient interactions and evidence summaries reflect published, cited sources — not a personal assessment of your skin. For medical skin conditions, rashes, pregnancy/lactation questions or persistent concerns, please consult a licensed dermatologist or HPCSA-registered practitioner.