Super Oxide Dismutase

What Is Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) in Skincare?

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is an antioxidant enzyme that the body, plants, and microbes make to break down superoxide, one of the most common free radicals formed by UV exposure and normal metabolism. In skincare, SOD from fermentation, yeast, or melon is added to serums and creams as an antioxidant for skin that looks fresher and better protected from the visible effects of daily environmental stress.

SOD works differently from vitamin C or vitamin E. Those antioxidants are used up as they neutralize free radicals; SOD is an enzyme, so one molecule can process many superoxide radicals, as long as it stays intact and active.

Quick Facts

How SOD Works on the Skin

The antioxidant chain

UV light and pollution create superoxide in the skin. SOD converts superoxide into hydrogen peroxide and oxygen, and other enzymes and antioxidants then break down the peroxide. This is the reasoning behind adding SOD to antioxidant serums.

The delivery problem

SOD is a large protein, much larger than vitamin C or a typical amino acid sequence, so getting it past the skin's surface is the main challenge. In a 2012 animal study (Kigasawa and colleagues, Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin), SOD in cationic liposomes was delivered into rat skin with iontophoresis, a mild electrical current, and it lowered markers of UV-induced oxidative damage. The authors reported that passive diffusion alone failed to carry the liposomes into the skin efficiently. That is why suppliers encapsulate SOD or pair it with other actives, and why topical SOD is best viewed as a surface antioxidant rather than a deep-acting one.

Melon SOD

Robertet's Extramel is a cantaloupe melon concentrate described as naturally rich in SOD and micro-encapsulated so the enzyme stays active in cosmetic creams and lotions. The supplier's clinical work is mainly on oral use, so the "melon SOD" claims you see for skin creams rest largely on supplier data.

No independent placebo-controlled human study of a topical SOD cosmetic was found when this entry was written.

How to Use SOD in DIY Formulas

• When to add. Add SOD in the cool-down phase below 40°C (104°F). Heat can denature enzymes.
• How much. Use the top of your supplier's range. For a fermented SOD powder sold at 0.5% to 20%, that is 20%; for our Regu-Age blend, use 5%, the top of its 2% to 5% range, which is 45 drops per fluid ounce.
• Base. Use a water-based serum or gel, such as a hyaluronic acid serum. Follow the pH range on your supplier's data sheet.
• Pair it. SOD works alongside other antioxidants, such as vitamin C and vitamin E, which handle different free radicals.
• Preserve and store. Use a broad-spectrum preservative, keep the finished product capped and cool, and protect it from light.

Who SOD Suits

SOD suits all skin types and is a sensible addition to routines for skin exposed to sun, pollution, or outdoor work, and to eye-area formulas. If you have sensitive skin, patch test on the inner arm for 24 hours and start at the lowest rate on your supplier's range (2% for Regu-Age), then work up. SOD is not a sunscreen; keep using broad-spectrum SPF during the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does superoxide dismutase do for skin?

SOD is an antioxidant enzyme that breaks down superoxide, a free radical formed by UV light and pollution. In skincare it is used to support the look of fresh, well-protected skin.

Does topical SOD actually work?

The main limit is delivery, because SOD is a large protein. In a 2012 rat study, SOD reached the skin when carried in liposomes with iontophoresis, while passive diffusion was inefficient. Independent human cosmetic studies are still lacking.

Is SOD really in melons?

Yes. Melons such as cantaloupe contain SOD, and Robertet's Extramel is a cantaloupe concentrate described as naturally rich in it. Fresh melon on the skin does not deliver a measured dose, so use a standardized ingredient.

Is SOD better than vitamin C?

They do different jobs. Vitamin C is used up as it neutralizes free radicals and also supports brightness, while SOD is an enzyme that recycles itself as it breaks down superoxide. Using both covers more of the antioxidant chain.

Is SOD safe for sensitive skin?

SOD is used in antioxidant and eye-area formulas. As with any protein ingredient, patch test on the inner arm for 24 hours first and start at the lowest supplier rate.

How should I store a serum with SOD?

Keep it capped, cool, and away from light, and refrigerate DIY blends. Enzymes lose activity with heat and time.

Shop and Learn More

Our Regu-Age Eye Serum Booster combines rice and soy peptides with an oxidoreductase enzyme; DSM's formulation guideline lists the Regu-Age PF grade with superoxide dismutase in its INCI. Regu-Age is also an ingredient in our Youth Serum. For more antioxidants, see our antioxidants guide and what are free radicals.

Sources

• Kigasawa K, Miyashita M, Kajimoto K, Kanamura K, Harashima H, Kogure K. Efficient Intradermal Delivery of Superoxide Dismutase Using a Combination of Liposomes and Iontophoresis for Protection against UV-Induced Skin Damage. Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin. 2012;35(5):781-785. doi:10.1248/bpb.35.781. DOI
• Spec-Chem Ingredients Catalogue 2026 (supplier data: SpecKare SOD1, superoxide dismutase from a fermented source, 0.5% to 20%; SpecKare SOD, superoxide dismutase and maltodextrin).
• DSM, Syn-Coll formulation guidelines, 2013 (supplier data: Regu-Age PF INCI, hydrolyzed rice protein and superoxide dismutase and soybean protein, used at 3%).
• Robertet, Extramel ingredient page (supplier data: cantaloupe melon concentrate naturally rich in SOD, micro-encapsulated for food and cosmetics). Supplier page

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

About the Author
Written by Kari Thomas, cosmetic formulator and founder of Skin Perfection.