Antioxidants + sun protection: double defense this summer

When we talk about summer skincare, we usually think first of sunscreens. Yet there is another group of silent allies that makes all the difference: antioxidants. These compounds, present both in the body and in botanical cosmetic ingredients, act as cellular guardians against free radicals—unstable molecules that surge with sun exposure, pollution, or stress.

Oxidative stress (caused by this imbalance) accelerates ageing, encourages dark spots, dehydrates, and can even damage cellular DNA. This is where antioxidants step in: they neutralise those free radicals and help the skin regenerate better, faster, and with less cumulative damage.

What if we pair them with sunscreen?

That’s where the magic happens. While SPF sunscreens work as a physical or chemical shield against UVA and UVB rays, antioxidants operate in the background: they fortify the skin’s natural barrier, repair invisible damage, and enhance photoprotective efficacy. Together, they form an unbeatable duo to keep skin radiant, supple, and protected all summer long.

Which antioxidants are packed into The Eleven Radiance Cocktail, our new serum unique on the market for its concentration of ingredients?

Our super-potent cocktail is a jewel for the skin, containing 11 antioxidants, including:

• Vitamin C (Ascorbyl Glucoside): a powerful antioxidant, collagen precursor, and brightener. It illuminates and evens tone without irritating sensitive skin thanks to its non-irritating encapsulated form.
• Vitamin E: a fat-soluble antioxidant that shields skin from oxidative damage and pollution. It hydrates, soothes, and strengthens the barrier, preventing premature ageing. In synergy with vitamin C and ferulic acid, it boosts depigmenting efficacy.
• Superoxide dismutase (SOD): a biomimetic antioxidant enzyme that neutralises free radicals and prevents premature ageing—ideal for sun-exposed or sensitised skin.
• Astaxanthin: an ultra-potent marine carotenoid that protects against solar damage, improves elasticity, and enhances luminosity without causing photosensitivity.
• Ferulic acid: a plant antioxidant that stabilises vitamins C and E, reinforces photoprotection, and improves firmness—suitable for reactive skin.
• Green tea: rich in polyphenols (EGCG), it reduces oxidative stress, calms redness, and regulates sebum—excellent for sensitive or oily-prone skin.
• Mango extract: a natural antioxidant and nutritive active rich in vitamins A, C, and E. It hydrates, brightens, fights ageing, supports cell renewal, and improves elasticity and tone while soothing and protecting against external aggressors.
• Maritime pine bark extract: a natural antioxidant and regenerating active that strengthens the barrier and combats premature ageing. It protects against pollution and UV rays and, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, calms skin while boosting elasticity and radiance.
• Liquorice extract: a calming, antioxidant active that evens tone and reduces dark spots via its glabridin content. It relieves irritation, hydrates, and shields against environmental damage, leaving skin softer, brighter, and healthier.
• Hibiscus extract: a revitalising botanical active with anti-ageing properties. Rich in AHAs, it gently exfoliates, refines texture, and evens tone while hydrating, toning, protecting against free radicals, and adding firmness and glow.
• Red vine extract: a potent antioxidant that defends skin from environmental damage and combats premature ageing. Rich in polyphenols and resveratrol, it improves circulation, strengthens blood vessels, and promotes firmer, more elastic, luminous skin while reducing inflammation and evening tone.

The Eleven Radiance Cocktail is perfect for morning use, right before sunscreen. It prevents, repairs, and boosts your natural glow.

Busting myths about antioxidants and the sun

Misconceptions often circulate about using antioxidants in summer or combining them with sunscreen. Here are the most common clarified:

Myth: “Vitamin C makes skin more sun-sensitive”
Reality: The opposite is true. When well-formulated, as Ascorbyl Glucoside, vitamin C not only avoids irritation but also helps protect against solar damage and enhances sunscreen efficacy.

Myth: “The higher the concentration, the better”
Reality: Effectiveness depends on the vitamin C form and its synergy with other actives, not just percentage. A well-stabilised 10–15 % formula can be more effective (and safer) than a poorly formulated 20 %.

Myth: “If I use antioxidants, I don’t need sunscreen”
Reality: Antioxidants and SPF are allies, not substitutes. Sunscreen blocks UV rays, while antioxidants neutralise the damage that gets through. Using both together offers the best defence.

Myth: “Antioxidants are only for mature skin”
Reality: Oxidative stress affects all ages. Introducing antioxidants early is key to preventing premature ageing and protecting skin long-term.

Star antioxidants: curiosities

• Vitamin C (Ascorbyl Glucoside): This form is so stable it can stay active even in aqueous formulas without oxidising.
• Superoxide dismutase (SOD): Naturally present in our skin, yet its production declines with age and sun exposure.
• Astaxanthin: The antioxidant that gives salmon and shellfish their pink hue—up to 6 000 × more potent than vitamin C against oxidative stress.
• Ferulic acid: Extracted from rice or wheat bran, one of the few antioxidants that improves vitamin C stability in cosmetics.
• Green tea: Its polyphenols not only soothe skin but also naturally preserve cosmetic formulas.

Your summer routine:

1. Gentle cleansing: Lemon Sorbet Magic Gel to Milk Cleanser.
2. Apply The Eleven Radiance Cocktail on dry skin.
3. Wait one minute, then apply your sunscreen: Pearlescent Eco-Protect Sun&Age Shield SPF 30 or 50 depending on your skin type.
4. Reapply roughly every two hours if you’re in the sun.

In the evening, reuse it or pair with double cleansing and regenerative treatments such as our plant retinol: Bakuchiol Deep Resurfacing Elixir or Wondrous Regenerating Serum containing reishi, the mushroom of eternal youth.

This summer, choose a smart protection strategy: sunscreen on the outside, antioxidants on the inside.

The Eleven Radiance Cocktail is more than a serum: it’s your daily reinforcement against radiation, pollution, and time—delivered with the softness and sensory pleasure you deserve.

Because protecting your skin shouldn’t feel like a chore but a mindful ritual.