Hero Ingredient Landing
Back to search

Thioctic Acid

Best

Antioxidant

Thioctic Acid at a glance

  • AKA alpha lipoic acid
  • An enzyme that offers antioxidant properties
  • Both water-soluble and oil-soluble
  • Can help defend skin from damage

Thioctic Acid description

Thioctic acid is the technical name for the antioxidant alpha lipoic acid. Unlike many antioxidants that are either water-soluble or oil-soluble, thioctic acid is both. Despite claims to the contrary, alpha lipoic acid isn’t the best antioxidant around. It is one of many that are beneficial for skin.

Related ingredients: Alpha Lipoic Acid

Back to search

Thioctic Acid references

  • BioMed Research International, December 2015, ePublication
  • Acta Cirurgica Brasileira, October 2013, pages 708-715
  • Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition, May 2009, pages 218-222
  • The British Journal of Dermatology, October 2003, pages 841-849
  • Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, October 2001, pages 578-582

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.