Antioxidant activity refers to a sample's ability to neutralize free radicals, which are responsible for oxidative stress involved in cellular aging, chronic inflammation, and certain degenerative pathologies. It is a key indicator of the nutritional and functional quality of a product, whether food, cosmetic, or nutraceutical.
Measuring antioxidant activity allows us to:
- Promote plant extracts rich in phenolic compounds, flavonoids or carotenoids;
- Compare different ingredients or formulations for anti-aging, health or immunity purposes;
- Support functional claims in product development strategies;
- Control the stability or effectiveness of cosmetic formulations and food supplements.
Available analysis methods
YesWeLab offers several internationally recognized spectrophotometric protocols to quantify antioxidant activity:
- DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl): measures the ability of an antioxidant to trap a stable radical (rapid and common test);
- ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity): reference method based on the neutralization of peroxyl radicals via a fluorescent system;
- FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power): quantifies the reducing power of samples with respect to ferric iron;
- ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)): colorimetric test suitable for a wide range of matrices;
- CUPRAC: method based on the reduction of Cu(II) ions, complementary to other approaches.
- Results are expressed in Trolox equivalents (TE), facilitating comparison between products.
Examples of analyzed matrices
Antioxidant activity tests apply to many natural or processed matrices, including:
- Crude or standardized plant extracts;
- Food supplements based on plants, red fruits, algae or targeted antioxidants;
- Fruit powders, superfoods (spirulina, acerola, berries, turmeric, etc.);
- Functional drinks: juices, infusions, antioxidant shots, kombucha;
- Cosmetic care: anti-aging creams, vitamin C serums, moisturizing lotions.
Recommended additional services
To more precisely characterize your ingredients or formulations, YesWeLab offers you analytical services complementary to the dosage of antioxidant activity, in particular:
- Determination of total polyphenols (Folin-Ciocalteu method);
- Total flavonoids assay;
- Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) dosage;
- Carotenoid profile;
- ORAC index for plant extracts.
These analyses allow you to quantify specific antioxidants, strengthen your quality records or justify nutritional and cosmetic claims.
Why choose YesWeLab?
Since 2020, YesWeLab has been supporting brands, formulators, and manufacturers in the nutraceutical, plant, cosmetic, and food industries in managing their laboratory analyses. Thanks to our digital platform, you benefit from:
- More than 2,000 services available online;
- A network of partner laboratories certified ISO 17025 or accredited by COFRAC;
- A centralized interface to submit your samples, track your requests and retrieve your results;
- Personalized scientific support to adapt protocols to the specificities of your products.
