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The Ordinary EUK-134 is a serum containing the trademarked synthetic antioxidant known as Ethylbisiminomethylguaiacol manganese chloride. It mimics two enzymes naturally present in the skin, superoxide dismutase, and catalase. This means it can act as a powerful antioxidant to fights free radicals, particles that damage cells and lead to visible signs of aging, reduce redness, and protect against UV-related skin damage.
The Ordinary Claim:
EUK-134™ is a mimetic of superoxide dismutase and catalase, forming an exceptionally rare self-regenerating molecule that scavenges superoxide free radicals, eliminates hydrogen peroxide and converts reactive oxygen species into water and oxygen. While it has been around for many years, very few products on the market do use this truly superb antioxidant which can regenerate itself to offer round-the-clock antioxidant support. The only issue with EUK-134™ is that it must not be used immediately with strong acids such as suspensions of Ascorbic Acid. Strong acids will completely destroy EUK-134™ which is based on manganese.
The low price of this formula does not reflect EUK-134™’s extremely high potency. EUK-134™ is by far one of the strongest antioxidants available. While EUK-134™ itself is very costly, the suggested concentration in any formula is below 0.05% and most formulas do not use this maximum suggestion. Our formula uses EUK-134™ at an extremely high 0.1% concentration and we do not believe any product on the market today uses a higher concentration than this amount.
Appearance and Scent:
The serum is a copper-coloured liquid that is the consistency of very light-weight oil. Despite the appearance, it absorbs quickly and leaves no oily residue on the skin. There is no detectable scent.
Packaging, Size, and Expiry:
The Ordinary products all come in simple, uncomplicated packaging, and the light-proof dropper bottle is no exception. This gives the advantage of being hygienic and allowing the price point of the product to remain low. The bottle contains 30ml of product and expires 6 months after opening.
Price and Number of Uses:
The cost is NZD $45 or USD $33 for 90 ml and NZD $16 or USD $11. I found the product to last about five months with daily use.
How to Use:
Apply alone or after water-based serums, before oils or heavier creams. Alternatively, mix with other treatments to enhance their antioxidant capacity significantly. Do not use with highly acidic formulations such as suspensions of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) or hydroxy acids.
Formulation Analysis:
EUK is a molecule that mimics the native antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase. It converts the reactive oxygen species superoxide anion (o2-) into peroxide (H2O2), which is then converted into water (H2O), by the enzyme catalase. Reactive oxygen species are byproducts of cellular respiration and cause cell damage and oxidative stress, which can cause inflammation, cancer, and other age-related diseases.
This study concluded EUK-134 might be able to compensate for deficiencies in antioxidant defence capacity at the skin surface and contribute to the protection of the skin against the accumulation of oxidative damage.
This study found EUK-207 was able to suppress indicators of oxidative stress and enhance wound healing on irradiated rat skin, and showed significant up-regulation of genes involved in detoxification of nitrogen and reactive oxygen species. Proving it has strong antioxidant properties.
This study looked at how the molecules EUK-189 and EUK-207 developed by Proteom systems Ltd, are beneficial in neurological diseases by eliminating free radical generation.
Ingredients:
Propanediol, Ethylbisiminomethylguaiacol manganese chloride.
Ingredient Analysis:
Propanediol is a fatty alcohol used as a penetration enhancing ingredient that is also hydrating and leaves a slightly greasy/oily residue on the skin. It can act as a solvent or an emulsifier and can be added to skincare to reduce the viscosity of the formulation. It can be produced synthetically or by using a non-pathogenic strain of E. coli to ferment corn-derived glucose.
Ethylbisiminomethylguaiacol manganese chloride is the trademark ingredient name for EUK. The chemical structure contains manganese as its aromatic ring structure increases the solubility in lipids and improves stability. A 0.1% concentration of EUK is present in the formulation. As EUK is a very powerful antioxidant, only a small concentration is required for topical use, so the 0.1% concentration in this product is sufficient to offer skincare benefits, but this also means the formula is close to 100% propanediol.
This formula does not contain any water, silicones, oils or alcohol, all of which can impair the stability of an antioxidant molecule.
pH Analysis:
The formula is water-free, therefore does not have a pH value.
Overall Impressions:
I have been using The Ordinary EUK for about five months now. The oily feeling initially put me off, but it does absorb quickly and sit well under moisturizer and sunscreen. It gives a golden glow to the skin without looking greasy. It has greatly reduced my redness and my overall skin tone has improved. I find two drops cover my entire face and neck, but I prefer to mix it with a hyaluronic acid serum. I used it during the day as antioxidants help protect against UV light. I will continue to repurchase this as it is an excellent antioxidant for the price, and my skin seems to really respond to having it in my routine.
What I Liked:
- Fragrance, alcohol, and preservative-free
- Inexpensive
- Simple, hygienic, and lightproof packaging
- Contains no unnecessary or sensitizing ingredients
- The brand is cruelty-free and vegan
What I Disliked:
- Can’t be used at the same time as other products with active ingredients
- Only one antioxidant present in the formula
- Reasonably short shelf-life
- The packaging does not protect active ingredients from the air
- Can feel oily on the skin.
- Limited scientific evidence on longterm topical benefits and limited human studies have been performed
References:
- The Ordinary Website
- Use of the synthetic superoxide dismutase/catalase mimetic EUK-134 to compensate for seasonal antioxidant deficiency by reducing pre-existing lipid peroxides at the human skin surface. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2004
- A synthetic superoxide dismutase/catalase mimetic EUK-207 mitigates radiation dermatitis and promotes wound healing in irradiated rat skin. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2013
- Superoxide dismutase/catalase mimetics but not MAP kinase inhibitors are neuroprotective against oxygen/glucose deprivation-induced neuronal death in the hippocampus. Journal of Neurochemistry, 2007
- Skincare and Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary, 4th Edition, 2015
- Wikipeadia – Superoide dismutase mimetics
