Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is an enzyme found in nearly all living cells. It acts as a defence system, neutralising harmful oxygen radicals that can damage cells. Without it, oxidative stress would accelerate ageing and contribute to various diseases.
SOD is used in creams to support skin health and oral supplements for antioxidant defence. While topical forms are widely accepted, the effectiveness of tablets depends on absorption and formulation quality.
SOD exists naturally in plants, animals, and microorganisms. In humans, it’s found inside cells (cytosol and mitochondria) and in extracellular fluids, where it helps neutralise oxidative stress. Some supplements are derived from bovine sources or from certain fruits like melons.
Protects skin health: Because Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is gaining attention as a powerful antioxidant enzyme that fights inflammation and oxidative stress — by reducing damage, it potentially strengthens the skin barrier. Helps reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots while supporting wound healing, softening scar tissue, shielding against UV damage, and minimising other visible signs of ageing.
Supports longevity and disease prevention: Current research links it to protection against neurodegenerative diseases and cardiovascular issues. It is also thought to help manage chronic inflammation.
Joint and inflammatory conditions – Some studies suggest SOD may help ease inflammation in conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, potentially reducing joint pain and stiffness.
Skin protection and anti-ageing – SOD is used in skincare for its ability to combat oxidative stress, which can contribute to UV damage and premature ageing. A study highlights superoxide dismutase (SOD) as a key antioxidant enzyme that neutralises reactive oxygen species (ROS) in skin. Ageing and environmental pollutants can disrupt SOD activity, contributing to oxidative stress, inflammation, and reduced skin barrier function, accelerating extrinsic skin ageing.
Brain and cardiovascular health – SOD deficiency has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, and vascular injury (injury to blood vessels). A study also details that reduced SOD activity correlates with increased oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction (in the energy factories in our cells), and inflammation. These are all key contributors to neurodegeneration and vascular impairment. Therefore, SOD helps prevent oxidative damage in the brain and heart. Low levels are linked to memory loss, stroke risk, and blood vessel damage.
Cellular protection – SOD converts harmful superoxide radicals into less harmful substances such as small amounts of hydrogen peroxide and oxygen, preventing DNA, protein, and membrane damage.
SOD from food sources and skincare products is generally considered safe.
Those with specific health conditions should consult a professional prior to supplementation.
Oxidative stress reduction
Skin health and anti-ageing
Inflammation control
Neuroprotection
Cardiovascular protection
Neurodegenerative Disease , Arthritis (Osteo) , Cardiovascular Health / Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) , Ageing , Age spots
Zheng M, Liu Y, Zhang G, Yang Z, Xu W, Chen Q. The applications and mechanisms of superoxide dismutase in medicine, food, and cosmetics. Antioxidants (Basel). 2023 Aug 27;12(9):1675. doi:10.3390/antiox12091675. PMID: 37759978; PMCID: PMC10525108.
Dong L, Chen Y, Gu L, Gan M, Carrier A, Oakes K, Zhang X, Dong Z. Oral delivery of a highly stable superoxide dismutase as a skin aging inhibitor. Biomed Pharmacother. 2023 Aug;164:114878. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114878. Epub 2023 May 18. PMID: 37209626.
Ruiz LM, Libedinsky A, Elorza AA. Role of copper on mitochondrial function and metabolism. Front Mol Biosci. 2021 Aug 24;8:711227. doi:10.3389/fmolb.2021.711227. PMID: 34504870; PMCID: PMC8421569.
Sasaki T, Abe Y, Takayama M, Adachi T, Okano H, Hirose N, Arai Y. Association among extracellular superoxide dismutase genotype, plasma concentration, and comorbidity in the very old and centenarians. Sci Rep. 2021 Apr 20;11(1):8539. doi:10.1038/s41598-021-87982-6. PMID: 33879836; PMCID: PMC8058336.
Rosa AC, Corsi D, Cavi N, Bruni N, Dosio F. Superoxide dismutase administration: A review of proposed human uses. Molecules. 2021 Mar 25;26(7):1844. doi:10.3390/molecules26071844. PMID: 33805942; PMCID: PMC8037464.
Papaccio F, D’Arino A, Caputo S, Bellei B. Focus on the contribution of oxidative stress in skin aging. Antioxidants (Basel). 2022 Jun 6;11(6):1121. doi:10.3390/antiox11061121. PMID: 35740018; PMCID: PMC9220264.
Younus H. Therapeutic potentials of superoxide dismutase. Int J Health Sci (Qassim). 2018 May-Jun;12(3):88-93. PMID: 29896077; PMCID: PMC5969776.
Corvo ML, Jorge JCS, van't Hof R, Cruz ME, Crommelin DJA, Storm G. Superoxide dismutase entrapped in long-circulating liposomes: formulation design and therapeutic activity in rat adjuvant arthritis. Biochim Biophys Acta Biomembr. 2002;1564(1):227-236. doi:10.1016/S0005-2736(02)00457-1.
Nguyen NH, Tran GB, Nguyen CT. Anti-oxidative effects of superoxide dismutase 3 on inflammatory diseases. J Mol Med (Berl). 2020 Jan;98(1):59-69. doi:10.1007/s00109-019-01845-2. Epub 2019 Nov 13. PMID: 31724066.
Marklund SL, Bjelle A, Elmqvist LG. Superoxide dismutase isoenzymes of the synovial fluid in rheumatoid arthritis and in reactive arthritides. Ann Rheum Dis. 1986 Oct;45(10):847-851. doi:10.1136/ard.45.10.847. PMID: 3789819; PMCID: PMC1002007.
Di Cesare Mannelli L, Bani D, Bencini A, Brandi ML, Calosi L, Cantore M, Carossino AM, Ghelardini C, Valtancoli B, Failli P. Therapeutic effects of the superoxide dismutase mimetic compound MnIIMe2DO2A on experimental articular pain in rats. Mediators Inflamm. 2013;2013:905360. doi:10.1155/2013/905360. Epub 2013 Jun 6. PMID: 23861563; PMCID: PMC3690261.
Rinnerthaler M, Bischof J, Streubel MK, Trost A, Richter K. Oxidative stress in aging human skin. Biomolecules. 2015 Apr 21;5(2):545-589. doi:10.3390/biom5020545. PMID: 25906193; PMCID: PMC4496685.
Chidambaram SB, Anand N, Varma SR, Ramamurthy S, Vichitra C, Sharma A, Mahalakshmi AM, Essa MM. Superoxide dismutase and neurological disorders. IBRO Neurosci Rep. 2024;16:373–394. PMCID: PMC11240301.
Wang Y, Branicky R, Noë A, Hekimi S. Superoxide dismutases: Dual roles in controlling ROS damage and regulating ROS signaling. J Cell Biol. 2018 Jun 4;217(6):1915-1928. doi:10.1083/jcb.201708007. Epub 2018 Apr 18. PMID: 29669742; PMCID: PMC5987716.
It seems we're not currently stocking any products with SOD.
Discover our must have products and the little luxuries that help us feel our best all yea...
Understading the fascinting connection between gut health and skin conditions like acne, r...
Understand the unique benefits of essential fatty acids, including their benefits, where y...