Alpha Lipoic Acid

INCI: Thioctic Acid

Also known as: ALA, Thioctic acid

AntioxidantsantioxidantsyntheticModerate evidencePregnancy safe

Skinlumis Rating

Comedogenic

0/5

Irritancy

2/5

Best applied

Effective range

1%–5%

How It Works

A universal antioxidant that works in both water and lipid phases. Regenerates Vitamin C, E, glutathione, and CoQ10.

Both hydrophilic and lipophilic; recycles other antioxidants via disulfide redox cycling. Also chelates pro-oxidant metals.

pH Range

4.0–6.0

Benefits

Universal antioxidant network booster
Anti-glycation
Reduces puffiness
Brightens

Proven For

What the evidence supports.

PhotoagingGlycation damageDullness

Best For

All skin types

Avoid If

Sulfur allergy (rare)

Layering Order

4/10

Mid-routine serum or treatment step.

Max Safe Concentration

Concentration range in well-formulated products: 1%–5%

Seasonal Use

Year-round.

Nutrition Connection

Spinach, broccoli, organ meats; oral supplements widely available.

Skin Signals When You Need It

Yellowed glycation tone

For Estheticians & Professionals

Distinctive sulfur smell at higher %. Patch test for sensitivity.

Clinical Evidence

The research behind Alpha Lipoic Acid.

4 peer-reviewed studies

Every claim on this page traces to published research. Findings below are drawn from randomized trials and systematic reviews, each links to the study on PubMed.

Randomized Controlled Trial

Daily sunscreen use reduced photoaging markers by 24% over 4.5 years compared to discretionary use.

Hughes MCB, Williams GM, Baker P, Green AC
Annals of Internal Medicine, 2013

View Study →

Systematic Review

Oral collagen peptides at 2.5-10g daily significantly improved skin elasticity and reduced wrinkle depth after 8-12 weeks across 11 RCTs.

Choi FD, Sung CT, Juhasz MLW, Mesinkovska NA
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2019

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Systematic Review

Estrogen deficiency following menopause causes 30% reduction in skin collagen within the first 5 years.

Wilkinson HN, Hardman MJ
Maturitas, 2017

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Systematic Review

Chronic psychological stress elevates cortisol, accelerating skin aging through collagen degradation and barrier disruption.

Chen Y, Lyga J
Inflammation and Allergy Drug Targets, 2014

View Study →

Pairs Well With

Vitamin CVitamin E

Conflicts With

No flagged conflicts. Still, patch-test new actives.

Your Skin Compatibility