Many plants and organisms in nature live under harsh conditions and have developed their own ways of protecting themselves against UV radiation, frost and environmental stress. Many of them do it with antioxidants. At woods_ copenhagen, we use these same protective compounds to support what your skin is already trying to do: protect, repair and renew itself. In this article, we explain what antioxidants are, how they work in your skin, and which antioxidants you’ll find across our range.
What are antioxidants?
Antioxidants are a diverse group of molecules that protect our cells from free radicals. Free radicals are unstable, highly reactive molecules formed by UV radiation, pollution and even the body’s own metabolic processes. When there are more free radicals than the skin can neutralize on its own, it leads to what is known as oxidative stress – which over time can contribute to early signs of aging, a dull complexion and a loss of elasticity. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals before they can damage the cells, keeping your skin strong and in balance.
How antioxidants benefit your skin
Your skin has its own antioxidant defense, but daily exposure to sun and city air can put it under pressure. Antioxidants in skincare support that natural defense in several ways:
Protection: They help shield the skin from environmental stressors such as UV radiation and pollution.
A stronger skin barrier: Many antioxidant-rich plant and berry oils also contain fatty acids that strengthen the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss.
Collagen support: Vitamin C supports the skin’s natural collagen production, which maintains the skin’s firmness and elasticity.
A more even-looking skin tone: Antioxidants such as vitamin C reduce the visibility of dark spots and other forms of hyperpigmentation.
The goal isn’t flawless skin, but healthy skin that can keep protecting itself in the long term.
The antioxidants in our products
From Nordic berries to algae and stable vitamins – here are the antioxidants you’ll find in woods_ products, and where to find them.
Cloudberry – the Arctic survivor
Cloudberries grow in the far north, where they are exposed to frost, strong winds and intense UV radiation. To survive these extreme conditions, the berries develop exceptionally high concentrations of antioxidants, vitamins and essential fatty acids. In skincare, these protective compounds shield the skin from environmental stressors while strengthening its natural barrier. Cloudberries are rich in vitamin C, and the oil from their seeds contributes vitamin E and omega fatty acids that add moisture and give the skin a natural glow. Find cloudberry in our Vitamin Face Oil, Daily Mineral Gel, Deep Cleansing Scrub and Sun Drops, as well as in our Instant Repair Balm, Repairing Hand Balm and Nourishing Body Oil.
Blueberry – the forest protector
Blueberries are rich in antioxidants that protect the skin against environmental stress and UV exposure. The oil from their seeds strengthens the skin barrier, reduces moisture loss, soothes irritated skin and reduces visible redness. You’ll find blueberry seed oil in our Daily Mineral Gel, Ultra-Rich Cream, Deep Cleansing Mask, Deep Cleansing Scrub and Instant Repair Balm – and for hands and body in our Repairing Hand Balm, Niacinamide Repair Body Lotion and Nourishing Body Oil.
Sea buckthorn
Sea buckthorn berries are rich in vitamins C and E as well as omega fatty acids. The oil from their seeds protects the skin against free radicals, strengthens the skin barrier, prevents moisture loss and supports the skin’s elasticity. Find sea buckthorn in our Daily Hydra Cream, 24-Hour Hydra Gel, Blemish Control Clarifying Gel, Intense Hyaluronic Mask, Deep Cleansing Mask, Instant Repair Balm and Niacinamide Repair Body Lotion.
Red algae – the protector of the sea
Red algae thrive in the sea, where they are constantly exposed to UV radiation, salt and oxidative stress. To survive, they produce powerful protective compounds that bind moisture and protect their cells from damage. In skincare, red algae hydrate the skin, strengthen the skin barrier and protect against environmental stressors. You’ll find red algae in our Daily Hydra Cream, Daily Hydra Cream Sensitive, 24-Hour Hydra Gel, Daily Mineral Gel, Intense Hydra Serum and Vitamin A Treatment Cream.
Antarctic Ferment Extract – the polar shield
This glycoprotein is found in microorganisms from Antarctica, where it protects the cells against extreme cold, dryness and environmental stress. In skincare, it increases moisture levels, strengthens the skin barrier and stimulates collagen production – while protecting against cell damage caused by free radicals and pollution. Find it in our Vitamin Lifting Serum and Intense Hydra Serum.
Vitamins C and E
Vitamins C and E are among the most well-documented antioxidants in skincare. Vitamin C protects against free radicals and supports the skin’s natural collagen production – find it in our Skin Perfector 2% BHA, Skin Perfector SeboClear and Ultra-Rich Cream. Vitamin E neutralizes free radicals and moisturizes the skin, and is found in many of our creams and oils, including our Vitamin Face Oil and Daily Mineral Gel. Read more about what vitamins A, B3, C, E and F do for your skin in our guide to vitamins in skincare.
Nourishing plant oils and butters
Many of the plant oils in our formulas also contribute natural antioxidants alongside their fatty acids:
Argan oil: Contains vitamin E and antioxidants that soften dry skin. In our Vitamin Face Oil.
Sweet almond oil: Contains vitamins A, B, D and E and has protective, antioxidant properties. In our Restoring Antioxidant Hand Lotion, Repairing Hand Balm, Instant Repair Balm and Niacinamide Repair Body Lotion.
Sunflower seed oil: A caring oil with protective antioxidants that retains the skin’s moisture. In our Vitamin Face Oil, Ultra-Rich Cream and Nourishing Body Oil.
Wheat germ oil: High in vitamin E and fatty acids that strengthen the skin’s regeneration. In our Vitamin A Treatment Cream and Nourishing Body Oil.
Shea butter: Contains vitamins A, E and F and forms a protective layer on the skin. In our Ultra-Rich Cream, Instant Repair Balm and Repairing Hand Balm.
Aloe vera and cucumber water
Organic aloe vera and cucumber water form the base of many of our formulas. Both contain antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, and have a soothing, cooling effect on the skin. You'll find both in, among others, our Niacinamide Lifting Mist and Vitamin Lifting Serum – and aloe vera in our Daily Foaming Cleanser, Soothing Body Wash and Aromatique Hydra Hand Wash.
Antioxidants and sunscreen – a good pair
Antioxidants don’t replace sunscreen, but the two complement each other. Sunscreen protects the skin against UV radiation, while antioxidants neutralize the free radicals that UV exposure and pollution still create. That’s why our Facial Sunscreen SPF30 and Facial Sunscreen SPF50 are enriched with vitamin E. In the morning, apply your antioxidant serum or moisturizer first, then finish with sunscreen.