Acetyl Zingerone

Acetyl zingerone is a ginger-derived antioxidant that served as an “omni-antioxidant” because it’s able to scavenge and neutralize a broad range of free radicals known to impair skin’s health and appearance. Research on human skin and skin cells has shown acetyl zingerone helps offset the negative impacts of environmental damage, helps visibly repair, and nurtures skin’s ability to maintain the integrity of the extracellular matrix for a healthy appearance. It’s particularly good at soothing UV-exposed skin, interrupting the cascade of damage it causes on and within skin’s surface layers. This antioxidant has excellent photostability (remains stable for longer when exposed to UV light) and also plays a role in diminishing mottled pigmentation due to exposures across the visible light spectrum, meaning it helps protect skin from visible (blue or HEV) light exposure. Acetyl zingerone also delivers anti-pollution benefits, including from “urban dust” (small particulate matter that often contains collagen-degrading heavy metals). It also helps interrupt the damage certain enzymes in skin can cause to our collagen, thus preserving a youthful look for longer and helping to reduce lines and wrinkles. Usage levels in cosmetics range from 0.5¬–1% if the primary goal is antioxidant benefit. Acetyl zingerone is also a chelating agent when used at level of 0.1–0.2%. Note that despite being ginger-derived, this ingredient is considered synthetic since its molecular structure incorporates elements from a compound in ginger known as zingerone and the plant-derived soothing agent curcumin. Essentially, it’s a lab-designed antioxidant that offers more potency and stability than what’s found in the ginger plant.

Related ingredients: Ginger Extract