Vitamin C Serums & ROS: Why OUMERE Uses Antioxidants Differently
Vitamin C serums often promise radiance. Our cellular-biology work shows that when antioxidants are isolated and concentrated, they can disrupt the skin’s ROS equilibrium and microbiome stability. The goal isn’t zero ROS; it’s balance.
Balanced ROS supports antimicrobial defense and healthy signaling. Over-suppressing ROS with highly concentrated antioxidants can weaken the microbiome and barrier function.
The Role of ROS in Healthy Skin
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are often discussed as purely harmful. In reality, physiologic ROS levels aid antimicrobial defense and cell communication. Excess is damaging; absence also compromises resilience.
Antimicrobial Support
Physiologic ROS helps limit bacterial and fungal overgrowth on the skin’s surface.
Not Zero—Balanced
Skin homeostasis depends on ROS and antioxidants in dynamic balance, not total quenching.
Resilient Ecosystem
Moisture, pH, lipids, and calibrated ROS collectively support microbiome stability.
Where High-Dose Vitamin C Can Go Wrong
Isolated, high-concentration ascorbic acid may first drive an oxidative swing, then rapidly over-neutralize ROS—disturbing signaling and weakening the microbiome’s natural defenses.
- Oxidative swing: Tissue oxygenation can transiently increase ROS and inflammation.
- Over-quenching: Rapid, concentrated antioxidant activity can suppress beneficial ROS below physiologic levels.
- Outcome: Barrier and microbiome may become more vulnerable to irritation or breakouts.
OUMERE’s approach favors lipid-balanced, whole-compound antioxidant delivery over single-molecule intensity—preserving ROS homeostasis and barrier integrity.
OUMERE’s Laboratory Perspective
Our controlled formulation studies indicate that antioxidants perform best when delivered within lipid matrices that mirror skin structure. This maintains ROS balance while supporting collagen and barrier function without destabilizing the microbiome.
How to Apply the Science
If your skin has been exposed to concentrated actives, prioritize repair and re-equilibration:
Lipid-Balanced Antioxidants
Use antioxidant-rich botanical extracts within balanced oils—our OUMERE Routine integrates this principle.
Non-Destructive Renewal
Favor controlled exfoliation over aggressive acids to protect structure.