Best Antioxidant Supplements in 2026

Oxidative stress — an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in your body — accelerates aging, damages cells, and contributes to chronic disease. While a diet rich in colourful fruits and vegetables is the foundation, targeted antioxidant supplements can fill the gaps.

Understanding Antioxidants

Antioxidants neutralise free radicals by donating electrons, preventing a chain reaction of cellular damage. Different antioxidants work in different parts of the body: some are water-soluble (Vitamin C, NAC), others are fat-soluble (CoQ10, Astaxanthin), and some do both (Curcumin).

The Most Effective Antioxidant Supplements

NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) is the precursor to glutathione — your body's "master antioxidant." It's one of the most cost-effective ways to boost your antioxidant defences and supports liver detoxification and respiratory health.

Vitamin C is essential but poorly stored by the body. Liposomal forms dramatically improve absorption compared to standard ascorbic acid tablets, delivering more vitamin C to your cells.

CoQ10 (Ubiquinol) is critical for mitochondrial energy production and acts as a powerful fat-soluble antioxidant. Levels decline with age and statin use, making supplementation increasingly important after 40.

Curcumin from turmeric is a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, but standard extracts have terrible bioavailability. Look for enhanced forms like Theracurmin, Longvida, or piperine-paired formulas.

Astaxanthin is a carotenoid 6,000 times more potent than Vitamin C in lab studies. It crosses the blood-brain barrier and accumulates in the eyes and skin, offering unique protective benefits.

What to Look For

• Bioavailable forms — ubiquinol over ubiquinone, liposomal vitamin C over ascorbic acid
• Clinically relevant doses — not token amounts
• Complementary stacking — combine water- and fat-soluble antioxidants for full coverage
• Third-party testing — purity is non-negotiable

Our Top Picks

We've tested and ranked the best antioxidant supplements for potency, absorption, and value. See the comparison table below.