AAD 2026: New Study Highlights Dual-Action Antioxidant Serum for UV-Induced Skin Protection

Key Takeaways

• The AOX2.0 (Neutrogena® Collagen Bank Vitamin C Serum) demonstrated dual-action protection by significantly reducing UV-induced oxidative stress while supporting skin barrier integrity.
•  The serum improved skin resilience by preserving filaggrin expression and increasing transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), indicating enhanced barrier function after UV exposure.
• Compared to placebo, AOX2.0 delivered more consistent and sustained antioxidant and barrier-supporting benefits across multiple skin models, highlighting its potential for promoting healthy skin aging.

New research presented at the 2026 American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Annual Meeting highlights the potential of a multifunctional antioxidant serum, AOX2.0, to protect human skin from ultraviolet (UV)-induced damage while supporting epidermal recovery. The study examined how oxidative stress disrupts the skin barrier and how targeted antioxidants may counteract these effects.

UV radiation is a major driver of lipid peroxidation and epidermal barrier damage, contributing to premature skin aging. Researchers evaluated AOX2.0—a formulation featuring Vitamin C, Feverfew, and Epigallocatechin gallate—across multiple models, including keratinocytes, fibroblasts, reconstructed human epidermis, and ex vivo skin.

Results showed significant reductions in oxidative stress markers, with lipid peroxidation decreasing by over 70% in keratinocytes and nearly 90% in fibroblasts. In 3D epidermal models, the serum reduced 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) accumulation and preserved filaggrin expression, a key protein for barrier integrity.

The serum also improved barrier function, increasing transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) by 45.2% following UV exposure. In contrast, placebo treatment showed minimal and short-lived effects.

These findings demonstrate the dual-action benefits of AOX2.0, supporting its potential role in antioxidant-driven skincare strategies for healthier aging under environmental stress.