Superoxide Dismutase
The skin’s own primary enzymatic antioxidant ÔÇö sourced, concentrated, and delivered back to where it is most needed. The only antioxidant that neutralises free radicals at their source.
What is Superoxide Dismutase?
Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) is a metalloenzyme ÔÇö an enzyme that contains a metal ion (typically copper/zinc or manganese) at its active site ÔÇö that catalyses the conversion of superoxide radicals (O·┬▓Ôü╗) into hydrogen peroxide and molecular oxygen. Superoxide is the most abundant reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced in the skin, generated by UV exposure, pollution, metabolic processes, and inflammation. SOD is the first line of the skin’s own enzymatic antioxidant defence system ÔÇö the body produces it endogenously, but this production declines with age and is overwhelmed by chronic UV exposure.
Why enzymatic antioxidants are different
Most antioxidants in skincare ÔÇö vitamin C, vitamin E, niacinamide, polyphenols ÔÇö are scavengers. They react with free radicals and neutralise them, but in doing so are themselves consumed. One molecule of antioxidant neutralises one free radical. SOD is catalytic: as an enzyme, it is not consumed in the reaction. One SOD molecule can catalyse millions of superoxide conversions before it is deactivated. It operates upstream of the radical cascade, before the damage to collagen-synthesising fibroblasts begins.
The aging connection
Superoxide radical ÔÇö when not neutralised by SOD ÔÇö initiates a cascade that activates Matrix Metalloproteinase enzymes (MMPs, particularly MMP-1 and MMP-3). MMPs are the enzymes that degrade existing collagen fibres. This is the primary mechanism of photoaging: UV generates superoxide; unscavenged superoxide activates MMPs; MMPs break down the collagen that makes skin look firm and smooth. SOD interrupts this cascade at step one.
Bioavailability in formula
SOD is a large protein molecule with inherent penetration challenges. We use an encapsulated form with demonstrated bioavailability that protects the enzyme from degradation in the formula and during application, allowing it to reach the viable epidermis where it can act. The specific encapsulation technology is proprietary to the Swiss laboratory that formulates the complex.
Catalytic dismutation: O┬À┬▓Ôü╗ + O┬À┬▓Ôü╗ + 2HÔü║ ÔåÆ HÔééOÔéé + OÔéé. Prevents MMP activation cascade ÔåÆ protects collagen fibres from enzymatic degradation. Synergistic with Resveratrol for complete ROS coverage across different radical species.