
Many herbal extracts and natural products prevent or reduce oxidative stress in in vitro models.

Since an increase in the formation of the ROS hydrogen peroxide (H 2O 2) has been associated with inflamed and diseased tissues, H 2O 2 can be used to induce oxidative stress in cells and therefore may provide a method to evaluate antioxidant activity of plant extracts. Multiple studies have revealed that the skin is very sensitive to reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Challenges of this nature can contribute to skin ageing and inflammation which is characterised by oxidative damage.

As the largest organ in the body, the skin provides a barrier against UV radiation, chemicals, microbes and physical pollutants.
