Common Name(s): Catalase,hydrogen peroxide oxidoreductase

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Neutralizes hydrogen peroxide before it can generate damaging hydroxyl radicals via fenton chemistry in skin cells.

Why It's Used: Enzymatic h2o2 detoxifier – prevents the uv-generated h2o2 that accumulates in aging skin (declining catalase activity) from generating dna-damaging hydroxyl radicals.

How It Works: Heme-containing enzyme decomposes h2o2 to water and oxygen (2h2o2 → 2h2o + o2) at 6×10^6 reactions/second. prevents fenton reaction (h2o2 + fe²⁺ → oh• + oh- + fe³⁺) that generates highly reactive hydroxyl radicals.

Typically Found In: Antioxidant enzyme serums,uv defense products

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – hydrogen peroxide antioxidant enzyme

Secondary Functions: Fenton reaction prevention,h2o2 neutralization

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.001%–0.1%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional - supplier confirmation required

Halal Status: Unverified - supplier confirmation required

Source Notes: Plant-derived (papaya, pineapple) or fermentation-derived. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: status downgraded on audit. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 2/5 – low to moderate

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Patch test recommended; potential for enzymatic sensitization.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Use with caution – potential sensitization

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Safe at cosmetic concentrations. patch test recommended. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Ahas (synergistic),hyaluronic acid,ceramides

Avoid Combining With: High concentrations on sensitive or compromised skin

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Aging skin has significantly reduced catalase activity, allowing h2o2 accumulation from uv irradiation and normal cellular metabolism. accumulated h2o2 enters the fenton reaction with iron/copper ions generating hydroxyl radicals (oh•) – the most reactive and damaging ros in biology. topical catalase directly addresses this age-related antioxidant enzyme decline.

Last Verified: 2026-03-12

Primary Sources: Cosing database,yaar & gilchrest skin aging antioxidant review