Deep Dive into Our DEFEND Antioxidant Serum

The Dubois Beauty DEFEND Antioxidant Serum is formulated to protect the skin against environmental stressors, including sun exposure and pollution.

Here’s how the active ingredients support sun protection and combat environmental damage:

Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) for Skin Protection

• Antioxidant Power: Ascorbic acid is a potent antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals generated by UV radiation and environmental pollutants. By reducing oxidative stress, it helps prevent damage to skin cells and collagen, which can lead to premature aging.
• Boosts Sunscreen Efficacy: While it doesn’t replace sunscreen, ascorbic acid enhances the effectiveness of your SPF by reducing sunburn cell formation.
• Brightening and Repair: It also helps in reducing hyperpigmentation, promoting a brighter and more even skin tone, and aids in skin repair by stimulating collagen production.

Phloretin in Skincare

• Broad-Spectrum Protection: Phloretin is a powerful antioxidant that provides broad-spectrum protection against free radicals. It helps protect skin cells from oxidative damage caused by UV rays and environmental aggressors like pollution.
• Improves Skin Barrier: It also strengthens the skin’s natural barrier, making it more resilient against environmental stressors.
• Even Skin Tone: Phloretin has the ability to inhibit certain enzymes that lead to hyperpigmentation, helping to maintain an even skin tone.

Kakadu Plum (Richest Source of Vitamin C)

• Ultra-Potent Antioxidant: Kakadu plum is known to have the highest recorded natural amount of vitamin C, even more than oranges. This high concentration of vitamin C makes it a powerhouse for neutralizing free radicals and protecting the skin from oxidative stress.
• Enhances Skin’s Natural Defense: It boosts the skin’s natural defense mechanisms, making it more resistant to environmental damage.
• Anti-Inflammatory Benefits: Kakadu plum also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can soothe skin irritated by sun exposure or pollution.

Supporting Ingredients

The effectiveness of the active ingredients is often enhanced by the supporting ingredients, which can include humectants for hydration, emollients to smooth the skin, and other antioxidants or anti-inflammatory agents to further protect and repair the skin.

Here’s how the other ingredients in the DEFEND Antioxidant Serum contribute to supporting sun protection and combating environmental damage:

Hydration and Skin Barrier Support

• Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Propanediol: These ingredients act as humectants, drawing moisture into the skin and keeping it hydrated, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy skin barrier against environmental stressors.
• Sodium Hyaluronate: A form of hyaluronic acid that deeply hydrates the skin, keeping it plump and reducing the appearance of fine lines caused by dehydration. It also helps maintain the skin's barrier, which can be compromised by UV exposure.

Skin Soothing and Anti-Inflammatory

• Panthenol: Also known as Provitamin B5, panthenol is known for its moisturizing, soothing, and anti-inflammatory properties, which help calm the skin after exposure to sun and pollutants.
• Ectoin & Hydroxyectoine: These are natural stress-protection molecules that help protect the skin from environmental damage, reduce inflammation, and support the skin’s repair mechanisms.
• Lactobacillus Ferment: This probiotic ferment supports the skin’s microbiome, which can be disrupted by environmental stressors, helping to maintain a balanced and healthy skin environment.

Antioxidant Protection

• Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate: A stable form of Vitamin C, it provides antioxidant protection, brightens the skin, and works in synergy with ascorbic acid to boost collagen production and neutralize free radicals.
• Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract (Astaxanthin): Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant known to protect against UV-induced damage and reduce the effects of photoaging. It’s more potent than Vitamin C and E in combating oxidative stress.

Structural Support and Firming

• Pullulan: A polysaccharide that creates a film on the skin, providing an immediate firming effect. It also protects the skin from oxidative stress and environmental damage.
• Sclerotium Gum, Xanthan Gum: These natural gums are used as thickening agents, but they also help create a protective barrier on the skin, enhancing moisture retention and protection from pollutants.

Skin Brightening and Even Tone

• Lecithin & Lysolecithin: These natural emulsifiers help improve the delivery of active ingredients, ensuring they penetrate the skin effectively. They also have moisturizing properties, which support the skin’s barrier function.
• Acer Rubrum Bark Extract: Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, this extract helps to soothe the skin and may contribute to reducing pigmentation caused by UV exposure.

Stabilization and pH Balance

• Citric Acid: Used to adjust the pH of the serum to match the skin’s natural pH, ensuring it is gentle and effective. It also has mild exfoliating properties, promoting a smoother, more radiant complexion.
• Sodium Hydroxide: Used in very small amounts to adjust the pH of the formula.

Product Stability

• Hydroxyacetophenone: An antioxidant that also serves as a preservative booster, helping to stabilize the formula and protect it from degradation.
• Sodium Phytate: A chelating agent that binds to metal ions in the formula, preventing them from destabilizing the product.

These ingredients work together to provide a comprehensive defense against environmental stressors while also supporting overall skin health, hydration, and radiance.