Common Name(s): Thioctic acid,ala,1,2-dithiolane-3-pentanoic acid
CAS Number: 1077-28-7
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides universal antioxidant protection in both water and oil phases with vitamin c and e regeneration capacity.
Why It's Used: The universal antioxidant โ ala's ability to function in both aqueous and lipid environments while regenerating both vitamin c and vitamin e makes it a uniquely comprehensive antioxidant not provided by any individual vitamins alone.
How It Works: Dithiolane ring provides both free radical scavenging and metal chelation. regenerates ascorbyl radical back to ascorbic acid (vitamin c recycling). regenerates tocopheroxyl radical back to tocopherol (vitamin e recycling). anti-glycation via reactive carbonyl quenching by thiol groups.
Typically Found In: Premium anti-aging serums,universal antioxidant products
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ antioxidant
Secondary Functions: Free radical scavenging,anti-aging
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%โ2%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes โ synthetic
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Plant-derived extract or synthetic.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; well-tolerated.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Potential photosensitisation at high concentrations. use with adequate packaging protection โ oxidises in air.
Works Well With: Vitamin c,vitamin e,ferulic acid,spf,other antioxidants
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Ala's ability to regenerate both vitamin c (water-soluble) and vitamin e (lipid-soluble) from their oxidised radicals creates a remarkable antioxidant recycling network: ala is oxidised during the process, but reduced glutathione regenerates ala from its oxidised form (dihydrolipoic acid). this creates a chain: gshโalaโvit eโvit cโradical scavenging, with each reduced antioxidant regenerating the next, extending the effective antioxidant capacity far beyond stoichiometric concentration.
Last Verified: Cosing database,packer et al. alpha lipoic acid antioxidant review
Primary Sources: 2026-03-12