Alpha Lipoic Acid

Alpha Lipoic Acid at a Glance

• AKA thioctic acid
• Both water and oil soluble
• Exerts antioxidant and soothing properties when applied topically
• Concentrations of 5% or greater are capable of causing a burning or stinging sensation on skin

Alpha Lipoic Acid Description

Alpha lipoic acid, also known as thioctic acid, is a caprylic acid-derived antioxidant. Alpha lipoic acid is unique among antioxidants, because due to its structure it is both water and oil soluble.

When applied topically on skin, it appears to be a very good antioxidant. Taken internally, alpha lipoic acid is a water- and fat-soluble antioxidant capable of regenerating other antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E. It is also believed to exert numerous soothing effects.

It’s clear from the research that alpha lipoic acid is a potent antioxidant, but it isn’t the only one; there are lots of great antioxidants for skin. In fact, there isn’t a lot of research on topical application of alpha lipoic acid.

This ingredient’s extremely vulnerable to degradation by sunlight. Higher concentrations (5% or greater) are capable of causing a burning or stinging sensation on skin.

Alpha Lipoic Acid References