High-performance cosmetic antioxidant for sophisticated skincare formulas designed around environmental stress, visible photo-ageing, uneven-looking skin tone and long-term skin defence.

Synoxyl® AZ is the trade name for Acetyl Zingerone, a multifunctional cosmetic antioxidant developed by Sytheon for advanced skincare formulation.

Unlike a conventional antioxidant that works primarily by scavenging free radicals, Acetyl Zingerone has been designed to work through multiple antioxidant pathways.

Sytheon describes Synoxyl® AZ as an all-in-one:

Antioxidant • Physical Quencher • Selective Chelator

This makes it particularly interesting for formulators creating modern skincare designed to support the appearance of skin exposed to UV, pollution and other environmental stressors.

At only 0.5–1%, Synoxyl® AZ can be incorporated into:

• Facial serums
• Moisturisers
• Creams
• Lotions
• Gel-creams
• Facial oils
• Balms
• Masks
• Body care
• After-sun products
• Sun-care formulations
• BB and CC creams
• Foundations and colour cosmetics
• Sensitive-skin formulations

It is a concentrated raw cosmetic active ingredient for formulation use, not a finished skincare product.

What is Acetyl Zingerone (Synoxyl® AZ)?

Acetyl Zingerone is a synthetic cosmetic antioxidant inspired by structural features found in naturally occurring compounds such as zingerone and curcumin.

Its INCI name is:

ACETYL ZINGERONE

Synoxyl® AZ is Sytheon's commercial high-purity Acetyl Zingerone ingredient.

It was developed specifically to provide a more comprehensive approach to oxidative stress than a conventional single-mechanism antioxidant.

In simple terms:

Traditional antioxidant:

helps neutralise reactive molecules after they form.

Synoxyl® AZ:

is designed to help manage oxidative processes through several complementary mechanisms.

That is why it is often described as a multi-target or omni-antioxidant cosmetic ingredient.

Synoxyl® AZ at a Glance

Trade Name: Synoxyl® AZ

INCI: Acetyl Zingerone

Ingredient Type: Advanced cosmetic antioxidant active

Appearance: White to off-white powder

Odour: Mild vanilla-like odour

Recommended Use Level: 0.5–1%

Maximum Manufacturer-Recommended Level: 1%

Recommended Final pH: Below 6.5

Processing: Heat stable; suitable for incorporation through an appropriate solvent or oil phase

Origin: Organic synthesis

Starting Materials: Acetyl acetone and vanillin

Solubility: Soluble in selected glycols, solvents, emollients and surfactants

Suitable For: Serums, creams, lotions, emulsions, oils, balms, masks, sun care, body care and colour cosmetics

Formulation Level: Intermediate to advanced

Why Do Formulators Use Acetyl Zingerone?

Because oxidative stress is more complicated than simply:

“free radical appears → antioxidant neutralises it.”

Reactive oxygen species can form through different processes and interact with skin molecules in different ways.

This is why professional antioxidant formulas often contain more than one antioxidant strategy.

Synoxyl® AZ is unusual because a single molecule has been designed to work through several complementary pathways.

More Than a Conventional Antioxidant

Sytheon describes Synoxyl® AZ as an omni-antioxidant.

This means it is designed to manage oxidative stress in more than one way.

Its reported functions include:

Antioxidant Activity

Helps neutralise reactive oxygen species.

Physical Quenching

Can dissipate excited-state energy before it contributes to damaging oxidative reactions.

Selective Metal Chelation

Can interact with selected metal ions involved in oxidation chemistry.

Oxidase Modulation

Research on Acetyl Zingerone has also investigated pathways involved in the generation of reactive oxygen species.

The value for a formulator is not simply:

“another antioxidant.”

It is the ability to add a different antioxidant mechanism to an existing skincare system.

Non-Sacrificing Antioxidant Strategy

Many conventional antioxidants work by reacting chemically with reactive species.

During that process, the antioxidant itself may eventually be consumed.

Sytheon describes Acetyl Zingerone as a non-sacrificing stable antioxidant, particularly in relation to its physical-quenching behaviour.

This is one of the characteristics that makes the ingredient particularly interesting for sophisticated antioxidant formulations.

Why Antioxidant Formulation Matters

Imagine two skincare formulas.

Formula A

Contains one familiar antioxidant because antioxidants are expected on the ingredient list.

Formula B

Uses several complementary antioxidant strategies selected according to their chemistry.

Both can say:

“contains antioxidants.”

But they are very different formulation concepts.

Professional formulation is not simply about adding more ingredients.

It is about understanding:

What role is each ingredient performing?

Synoxyl® AZ gives formulators another tool for building a more deliberate antioxidant system.

Manufacturer Clinical Research

Sytheon has evaluated finished skincare formulations containing 1% Synoxyl® AZ in placebo-controlled clinical studies.

The manufacturer reports improvements in cosmetic parameters including the appearance of:

• Wrinkle severity
• Pigment intensity
• Skin redness

with changes reported from approximately four weeks of use.

These results relate to the tested finished formulations, not direct application of the raw Acetyl Zingerone powder.

Synoxyl® AZ should always be incorporated into an appropriately designed cosmetic product.

Acetyl Zingerone & Uneven-Looking Skin Tone

Acetyl Zingerone is particularly interesting because its cosmetic positioning extends beyond traditional antioxidant skincare.

Sytheon has investigated the ingredient in formulations designed for the appearance of photo-damaged and unevenly pigmented skin.

Its pigmentation-related activity differs from classic tyrosinase-focused ingredients such as Alpha Arbutin or 4-Butylresorcinol.

This opens up an interesting formulation strategy:

Use ingredients that approach uneven-looking skin tone through different pathways.

For example, an experienced formulator might explore combining an antioxidant strategy with carefully selected tone-supporting ingredients.

Compatibility, pH, stability and total active load must still be evaluated.

An Interesting Partner for THDC Vitamin C

One of the most interesting combinations to explore is:

Acetyl Zingerone + Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate

THDC is an oil-soluble Vitamin C derivative used in antioxidant and radiance-focused skincare.

Published research has investigated Acetyl Zingerone alongside THDC and reported that Acetyl Zingerone can help protect THDC from oxidative degradation under the conditions studied.

This makes the pairing particularly interesting for formulators developing:

• Vitamin C facial oils
• Antioxidant serums
• Vitamin C gel-creams
• Day moisturisers
• Multi-antioxidant formulations

Rather than simply putting several fashionable antioxidants into one bottle, the formulation can be built around how the ingredients interact chemically.

How to Use Synoxyl® AZ in Cosmetic Formulations

Synoxyl® AZ is a powder and should normally be properly solubilised before incorporation.

It should not simply be sprinkled directly into a finished water-based product.

Step 1 – Choose Your Use Level

Sytheon's recommended use level is:

0.5–1%

For a 100 g formulation:

0.5% = 0.5 g

0.75% = 0.75 g

1% = 1 g

The manufacturer does not recommend exceeding 1%.

Step 2 – Choose an Appropriate Solvent

Synoxyl® AZ is soluble in a broad range of cosmetic solvents, humectants and emollients.

Sytheon's compatibility information includes:

Water-Compatible Solvent Options

• Dimethyl Isosorbide
• Propanediol
• Butylene Glycol
• Ethoxydiglycol
• Ethanol

Oil-Compatible Options

• C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
• Phenethyl Benzoate
• Dipropylene Glycol Dibenzoate
• Hydra Synol® DOI
• Selected sun-care emollients

The best solvent depends on the design of your complete formulation.

Synoxyl® AZ + DMI

Dimethyl Isosorbide is particularly interesting as a formulation partner.

Sytheon's solubility screening reports very good solubility of Acetyl Zingerone in DMI.

This means a formulator can create a concentrated:

DMI + Synoxyl® AZ premix

before incorporating it into an appropriately designed serum, cream or emulsion.

This is a good example of why solvent selection matters in advanced cosmetic formulation.

The active is only one part of the system.

Step 3 – Dissolve Completely

Mix Synoxyl® AZ with the selected solvent until the powder is fully dissolved.

Sytheon states that heating to approximately:

65–70°C

may be used where required to achieve complete dissolution.

Because Acetyl Zingerone is heat stable, it may also be incorporated through an appropriately designed heated oil phase where a suitable solvent or emollient is present.

Step 4 – Incorporate Into the Main Formula

Once dissolved, add the premix to the appropriate phase of your formulation.

Depending on the formula, this could be incorporated:

• Post-emulsion
• Through the oil phase
• Through an appropriate solvent phase

Higher shear may occasionally be useful to distribute the premix uniformly through the finished product.

Step 5 – Check Your Final pH

This is important.

Synoxyl® AZ is a phenolic ingredient and Sytheon recommends finished formulations with a pH:

Below 6.5

Always verify that this pH is also suitable for every other ingredient in your formula.

Formulator's Tip – Watch Your Metal Ions

Iron and copper ions can interact with Acetyl Zingerone and may contribute to unwanted colour changes.

This can matter because trace metals may enter a formulation through:

• Water
• Botanical materials
• Mineral ingredients
• Manufacturing equipment
• Other raw materials

Sytheon therefore suggests considering a chelating agent at approximately:

0.1–0.3%

Examples include:

• EDTA
• EDDS
• Sodium Phytate

depending on the formulation and regulatory positioning.

This is a particularly useful formulation detail if you want to maintain colour and long-term product elegance.

Packaging Matters

Synoxyl® AZ itself is reported to be photostable.

However, Sytheon still recommends considering:

Airless and/or opaque packaging

for finished formulations.

Why?

Because your complete formula contains many ingredients, not just Acetyl Zingerone.

Packaging can help protect the overall system from:

• Light
• Oxygen
• Contamination
• Repeated consumer exposure

A sophisticated active deserves a sophisticated finished-product environment.

What Should You Avoid?

Because Acetyl Zingerone is a phenolic compound, Sytheon specifically identifies incompatibility with strongly alkaline ingredients including:

• Sodium Hydroxide
• Potassium Hydroxide
• Aluminium Hydroxide

Your finished product should remain within the recommended acidic range below pH 6.5.

Can Synoxyl® AZ Be Used in Toners?

Interestingly:

Sytheon does not recommend Synoxyl® AZ for toner formulations.

This is why we would focus primarily on:

serums • emulsions • creams • gel-creams • oils • balms • masks

rather than treating Acetyl Zingerone as a universal ingredient for every possible skincare format.

Good formulation is not about forcing an ingredient into every product.

It is about choosing the right vehicle for the ingredient.

What Can You Make With Synoxyl® AZ?

Advanced Antioxidant Facial Serum

Combine Synoxyl® AZ with a carefully selected solvent system and complementary antioxidants to create a lightweight daily environmental-stress serum.

THDC + Acetyl Zingerone Vitamin C Serum

Pair oil-soluble THDC with Synoxyl® AZ in a sophisticated antioxidant formulation.

This is a particularly interesting concept because published research has examined how Acetyl Zingerone can help stabilise THDC under oxidative conditions.

Antioxidant Gel-Cream

Combine Synoxyl® AZ with:

Ectoine + Glycerin + lightweight emollients

to create a modern moisturising antioxidant gel-cream.

Daily Environmental Defence Cream

Build a moisturiser around:

Acetyl Zingerone + barrier-support ingredients + antioxidants

for a formula designed for skin exposed to everyday environmental stress.

Uneven-Tone Serum

Create a multi-pathway formula using Acetyl Zingerone alongside appropriately selected tone-supporting actives.

The aim is not to simply use the maximum amount of every ingredient.

The goal is to build a balanced formulation where each ingredient has a clear function.

Antioxidant Facial Oil

Because Synoxyl® AZ can be solubilised using compatible oil-phase materials, it can also be explored in sophisticated anhydrous facial oils.

After-Sun Cosmetic

Sytheon includes after-sun products among the recommended applications for Synoxyl® AZ.

It can therefore be incorporated into soothing and antioxidant-focused post-sun cosmetic formulations.

Ingredients You Could Pair With Acetyl Zingerone

Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate

One of the most scientifically interesting combinations.

Useful for sophisticated oil-soluble Vitamin C antioxidant systems.

Ectoine

Interesting for formulas combining antioxidant protection with hydration and barrier-support concepts.

Hydra Synol® DOI

Sytheon reports Synoxyl® AZ solubility in Hydra Synol® DOI.

This creates an interesting oil-phase combination for advanced moisturising formulations.

Squalane

Useful as part of an elegant emollient system.

Bisabolol

Can complement formulations intended for sensitive or easily stressed skin.

Bakuchiol

An oil-soluble cosmetic active that can be incorporated into multi-active evening formulations.

Alpha Arbutin

Can potentially form part of a sophisticated uneven-tone formulation, provided the complete system is designed around both ingredients' pH, solubility and stability requirements.

Tranexamic Acid

Another ingredient that may be explored in advanced uneven-tone formulas where the different solubility requirements are properly managed.

Synoxyl® AZ vs Vitamin E

Both are antioxidants, but they should not be thought of as interchangeable.

Vitamin E / Tocopherol

Commonly used as:

• Lipid-phase antioxidant
• Skin-conditioning ingredient
• Protection for oxidation-prone oils

Synoxyl® AZ

Designed as a broader multi-pathway cosmetic antioxidant with:

• Radical-scavenging activity
• Physical-quenching activity
• Selective metal-chelating behaviour
• Additional antioxidant-pathway activity investigated by the manufacturer

They can therefore serve different roles within the same antioxidant system.

Synoxyl® AZ vs Vitamin C

Vitamin C ingredients and Acetyl Zingerone are also very different.

Vitamin C derivatives are often selected for:

• Antioxidant skincare
• Radiance-focused formulations
• Collagen-supporting cosmetic concepts
• Uneven-looking skin tone

Synoxyl® AZ provides a complementary antioxidant strategy.

Rather than asking:

“Which one is better?”

a more interesting formulation question is:

“Can these ingredients perform complementary jobs?”

Published research examining THDC and Acetyl Zingerone makes this combination particularly interesting.

Is Synoxyl® AZ Natural?

No — it should not be marketed as a natural botanical extract.

Synoxyl® AZ is produced through organic synthesis.

Sytheon states that its starting materials are:

Acetyl acetone + Vanillin

The molecular design was inspired by structural elements associated with naturally occurring zingerone and curcumin.

That makes a better and more transparent description:

Nature-inspired chemistry, engineered for cosmetic performance.

Is Synoxyl® AZ Suitable for Beginners?

We would describe Synoxyl® AZ as an:

Intermediate-to-advanced formulation ingredient.

It is not particularly difficult to use once you understand the process.

However, you should be comfortable with:

• Accurate weighing
• Solvent selection
• Solubility testing
• Heating small side phases
• pH measurement
• Chelating systems
• Emulsion formulation
• Stability testing

If you are serious about moving beyond basic DIY formulations and learning how professional active systems are designed, Synoxyl® AZ is an extremely interesting ingredient to work with.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Acetyl Zingerone?

Acetyl Zingerone is a multifunctional cosmetic antioxidant used in advanced skincare formulations.

Synoxyl® AZ is Sytheon's trade name for its Acetyl Zingerone ingredient.

Are Acetyl Zingerone and Synoxyl® AZ the Same Thing?

Acetyl Zingerone is the INCI ingredient name.

Synoxyl® AZ is the Sytheon trade name.

What Percentage of Synoxyl® AZ Should I Use?

Sytheon recommends:

0.5–1%

The manufacturer specifically states that use above 1% is not recommended.

What pH Should I Use With Acetyl Zingerone?

Synoxyl® AZ should be formulated into products with a final pH:

Below 6.5

Always confirm that the chosen pH is compatible with the rest of your formulation.

Is Acetyl Zingerone Water Soluble?

It should not be treated as a simple water-soluble powder.

Synoxyl® AZ is better incorporated using an appropriate solvent or compatible emollient system.

Suitable options identified by Sytheon include:

• Dimethyl Isosorbide
• Propanediol
• Butylene Glycol
• Ethoxydiglycol
• C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
• Hydra Synol® DOI

Can I Use DMI to Dissolve Synoxyl® AZ?

Yes.

Dimethyl Isosorbide is one of the solvent systems specifically identified by Sytheon as having good solubility for Synoxyl® AZ.

A small DMI + Acetyl Zingerone premix is therefore a useful formulation approach to investigate.

Can Synoxyl® AZ Be Heated?

Yes.

Sytheon describes Synoxyl® AZ as heat stable.

Heating to approximately 65–70°C may be used to assist dissolution where required.

Can I Use Synoxyl® AZ in a Serum?

Yes.

Serums are among the recommended applications.

An appropriate solvent system and final pH below 6.5 should be used.

Can I Use Synoxyl® AZ in a Cream?

Yes.

It can be incorporated into creams, moisturisers, lotions and other emulsions.

Can I Use Synoxyl® AZ in Facial Oils?

Yes.

Synoxyl® AZ can be solubilised in selected oil-compatible emollients and incorporated into appropriately designed anhydrous formulations.

Can I Use Synoxyl® AZ in a Toner?

Sytheon's current formulation guidance specifically lists toners as a format that Synoxyl® AZ should not be formulated into.

We therefore recommend choosing another product format.

Does Synoxyl® AZ Need a Chelator?

Not every formula will be identical, but Sytheon recommends considering a chelating agent because iron and copper ions can affect product colour.

Their suggested range is approximately:

0.1–0.3%

depending on the chelator selected.

Is Synoxyl® AZ Photostable?

Yes.

Sytheon describes Acetyl Zingerone as photostable.

Opaque packaging is nevertheless recommended for the finished cosmetic formulation.

Can I Combine Synoxyl® AZ With THDC?

Yes, and this is one of the most interesting combinations to explore.

Published research has studied Acetyl Zingerone with Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate and reported improved THDC stability under oxidative conditions.

Is Acetyl Zingerone a Finished Skincare Product?

No.

Synoxyl® AZ supplied by JustGlow is a concentrated raw cosmetic ingredient for formulation use.

It should not be used directly on the skin as supplied.

Storage & Handling

Store Synoxyl® AZ:

• In the original sealed container
• At approximately 10–30°C
• Protected from light
• Protected from heat
• Protected from moisture
• Tightly closed between uses

Use clean, dry formulation equipment.

Always refer to the current SDS and batch documentation for professional safety and handling requirements.

Important Formulation Information

Synoxyl® AZ supplied by JustGlow is a raw cosmetic ingredient intended for formulation purposes.

It is not a medicine or a finished cosmetic product and should not be applied directly to the skin as supplied.

Manufacturer cosmetic-performance data relate to properly formulated finished products, not undiluted raw Acetyl Zingerone powder.

Recommended use:

0.5–1% in the finished cosmetic formulation.

Formulators producing products commercially are responsible for appropriate:

stability testing • preservation assessment • compatibility testing • packaging testing • cosmetic safety assessment • regulatory compliance

before placing the finished product on the market.

Why Formulate With Synoxyl® AZ?

There are many antioxidants available to cosmetic formulators.

So why choose Acetyl Zingerone?

Because advanced formulation is not about collecting the longest list of fashionable actives.

It is about building a system where ingredients perform different, complementary jobs.

A Vitamin C antioxidant serum.

An environmental-stress moisturiser.

A sophisticated uneven-tone treatment cosmetic.

A barrier-supporting antioxidant gel-cream.

A facial oil designed around THDC.

Synoxyl® AZ allows you to think beyond:

“I need an antioxidant.”

and start asking:

“What type of antioxidant system am I actually trying to build?”

That shift — from simply adding ingredients to understanding why they are there — is what turns ingredient mixing into formulation science.

For cosmetic formulation use only.

Documents :

COA 2026

SDS 2026