---
title: "DPPH/ABTS radical quenching"
description: "Compare radical-scavenging capacity using DPPH and ABTS assays."
image: "https://cosmetic-labs.com/wp-content/uploads/antioxidant-service-1200x1200-2.webp"
---
# DPPH/ABTS radical quenching

> Compare radical-scavenging capacity using DPPH and ABTS assays.

Source: https://cosmetic-labs.com/services/clinical/efficacy/redox-antioxidant-defense/antioxidant
Created: 2025-07-05T07:00:46+00:00
Modified: 2026-10-25T10:44:56+00:00
Author: Emilie SCHOL

DPPH/ABTS radical quenching | Cosmetic Labs

## What is DPPH/ABTS radical quenching?

DPPH/ABTS radical quenching assays measure the ability of a test material to react with stable radicals in a chemical system. Changes in absorbance provide a comparative measure of radical-scavenging capacity, not direct evidence of protection in skin cells.

### Why do you need this service?
DPPH and ABTS assays compare chemical radical-scavenging capacity under defined conditions. Use them for early ingredient ranking, with biological follow-up where the question concerns protection in skin cells.

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Definition
## DPPH/ABTS radical quenching
DPPH and ABTS assays screen the chemical radical-scavenging capacity of cosmetic ingredients and suitable formulation samples. They are useful for comparing materials under defined conditions, but do not reproduce the full biological environment of skin.

### How the assays work
The DPPH assay follows a change in the absorbance of a stable radical after reaction with a test material. The ABTS assay measures decolorisation of the ABTS radical cation. The choice of solvent and sample preparation affects which materials can be assessed, including hydrophilic or lipophilic components.

Absorbance change relative to assay controls
- Concentration-response behaviour
- Comparison with a defined antioxidant reference
- Reaction time and solvent conditions
Sample colour, turbidity and intrinsic absorbance can interfere with readings. Appropriate blanks and consistent methods are important when comparing ingredients or formulations.

### Interpreting antioxidant capacity
Reports may express activity as percentage radical quenching or a concentration required to reach a defined response. Values are method-dependent and should not be compared across incompatible protocols without qualification.

ORAC, FRAP, antioxidant enzyme measurements and cellular oxidative stress studies answer related but different questions. DPPH/ABTS results alone do not demonstrate cell survival, collagen protection, prevention of premature ageing or efficacy of a finished product in use.

Applications
## Using chemical antioxidant comparisons
Keep solvent, reaction conditions and the comparison method consistent across candidate materials. Extract colour, turbidity or other direct interactions can influence absorbance, so suitable blanks and interference checks are important.

Concentration-response results can provide a comparative capacity measure within the assay. They do not establish absorption, persistence or activity in skin, and results from different methods should not be assumed interchangeable.

The findings can help select candidates for cellular oxidative-stress or damage studies. Chemical radical quenching does not demonstrate cellular defence, wrinkle reduction or a regulatory approval pathway.

ExplorationLearn more about Antioxidant & Redox StudiesInvestigate antioxidant and redox responses through chemical scavenging, cellular defence and oxidative-damage assays with model-specific interpretation. Explore another Antioxidant & Redox Studies page on cosmetic-labs.com.

#### [Oxidative stress efficacy testing](https://cosmetic-labs.com/services/clinical/efficacy/redox-antioxidant-defense/oxidative-stress)
Assess antioxidant activity and oxidative damage in chemical or skin-cell models through radical scavenging, redox pathways and protection endpoints. [Check this service](https://cosmetic-labs.com/services/clinical/efficacy/redox-antioxidant-defense/oxidative-stress)
#### [Free radical scavenging](https://cosmetic-labs.com/services/clinical/efficacy/redox-antioxidant-defense/radical-scavenging)
Compare radical-scavenging activity using defined chemical assays such as DPPH or ABTS, with skin protection requiring separate biological evidence. [Check this service](https://cosmetic-labs.com/services/clinical/efficacy/redox-antioxidant-defense/radical-scavenging)
#### [Antioxidant defense activation](https://cosmetic-labs.com/services/clinical/efficacy/redox-antioxidant-defense/antioxidant-defense)
Assess endogenous antioxidant responses in pollutant-challenged skin models, distinguishing pathway activation from measured protection against damage. [Check this service](https://cosmetic-labs.com/services/clinical/efficacy/redox-antioxidant-defense/antioxidant-defense)
#### [Nrf2 pathway activation](https://cosmetic-labs.com/services/clinical/efficacy/redox-antioxidant-defense/nrf2-pathway)
Investigate Nrf2 pathway responses in skin-cell models using nuclear localisation, reporter activity and downstream gene or protein measurements. [Check this service](https://cosmetic-labs.com/services/clinical/efficacy/redox-antioxidant-defense/nrf2-pathway)
#### [SOD/Catalase activation](https://cosmetic-labs.com/services/clinical/efficacy/redox-antioxidant-defense/sod-catalase)
Measure ingredient effects on SOD and catalase activity in skin-cell models, distinguishing enzyme function from expression and chemical scavenging. [Check this service](https://cosmetic-labs.com/services/clinical/efficacy/redox-antioxidant-defense/sod-catalase)
#### [GSH synthesis stimulation](https://cosmetic-labs.com/services/clinical/efficacy/redox-antioxidant-defense/gsh-synthesis)
Investigate glutathione production using GSH, GSSG and synthesis-related measurements to separate new synthesis from recycling and consumption. [Check this service](https://cosmetic-labs.com/services/clinical/efficacy/redox-antioxidant-defense/gsh-synthesis)
#### [Lipid peroxidation block](https://cosmetic-labs.com/services/clinical/efficacy/redox-antioxidant-defense/lipid-peroxidation)
Measure lipid oxidation products and lipid-sensitive probes to assess whether an ingredient limits peroxidation in a defined chemical or cellular model. [Check this service](https://cosmetic-labs.com/services/clinical/efficacy/redox-antioxidant-defense/lipid-peroxidation)
#### [Mitochondrial protection](https://cosmetic-labs.com/services/clinical/efficacy/redox-antioxidant-defense/mitochondrial-protection)
Assess mitochondrial function during a defined oxidative challenge using respiration, membrane potential, ATP content and complementary damage markers. [Check this service](https://cosmetic-labs.com/services/clinical/efficacy/redox-antioxidant-defense/mitochondrial-protection)

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---

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