Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)
Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is a naturally occurring antioxidant found in every cell of the body. It plays a key role in energy production and helps protect cells from damage. In skincare, ALA is valued for its ability to fight free radicals, reduce visible signs of aging, and enhance skin texture and clarity. What makes ALA unique is that it’s both water- and fat-soluble, meaning it can work throughout all layers of the skin — a trait few other antioxidants possess.
Though the body produces small amounts of ALA, using it topically through skincare products can offer concentrated antioxidant protection and visible improvements in the skin’s appearance. It’s often used in anti-aging formulas, brightening serums, and restorative treatments due to its strong ability to renew and protect the skin.
💡What It Does in Skincare
- Neutralises free radicals that cause premature aging, inflammation, and environmental damage.
- Brightens skin tone by reducing dullness and helping to fade uneven pigmentation over time.
- Minimises fine lines and wrinkles by supporting collagen function and improving overall skin firmness.
- Regenerates other antioxidants (like vitamin C and E), extending their effectiveness and giving the skin broader antioxidant coverage.
- Improves skin texture and clarity, often leading to smoother, more radiant-looking skin.
- Provides rapid visible results for some users, with improved tone and texture often noted shortly after use.
- Penetrates deeply due to its dual solubility, offering antioxidant protection both at the surface and in deeper skin layers.
🧬Safety & Toxicology
- Safe for most skin types when used in low concentrations (typically under 5% in cosmetic formulations).
- May cause mild irritation, redness, or tingling — especially for those with sensitive skin or when used in high doses.
- Patch testing is recommended before full use, particularly with concentrated serums or when combined with other active ingredients.
- Not suitable for use on broken, inflamed, or freshly exfoliated skin, as it may heighten sensitivity.
- Extensively studied for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, with no known long-term toxicity when used topically in regulated amounts.
- Not typically used in products for very young or highly reactive skin, but is well tolerated by most healthy adult skin types.
- Also used as a dietary supplement for managing blood sugar and promoting nerve health — although this is separate from its topical skincare use.