Acetyl Zingerone

Best

Antioxidant

No known benefits

Acetyl Zingerone at a glance

  • Potent, ginger-derived antioxidant
  • Helps offset numerous visible signs of environmental damage
  • Very good stability in the presence of UV light
  • Plays a role in protecting skin from airborne pollutants

Acetyl Zingerone description

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.

Acetyl Zingerone references

  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, January 2021, pages 166–173
  • Journal of Investigative Dermatology, March 2020, pages 602–614
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, February 2020, pages 36–45

Peer-reviewed, substantiated scientific research is used to assess ingredients in this dictionary. Regulations regarding constraints, permitted concentration levels and availability vary by country and region.

Ingredient ratings

Best

Proven and supported by independent studies. Outstanding active ingredient for most skin types or concerns.

Good

Necessary to improve a formula's texture, stability, or penetration.

Average

Generally non-irritating but may have aesthetic, stability, or other issues that limit its usefulness.

Bad

There is a likelihood of irritation. Risk increases when combined with other problematic ingredients.

Worst

May cause irritation, inflammation, dryness, etc. May offer benefit in some capability but overall, proven to do more harm than good.

unknown

We couldn't find this in our ingredient dictionary. We log all missing ingredients and make continuous updates.

Not rated

We have not yet rated this ingredient because we have not had a chance to review the research on it.