*Disclaimer: This is not a paid review. The product was provided by the brand FILORGA, though the review thereof is based on the author’s experience and opinion. Reviews published are intended to be for information purposes only and should not be regarded as a replacement for sound medical advice. Always speak to your doctor or skincare therapist if you have any concerns*
French brand FILORGA continues to innovate and produce effective skincare products based on solid, scientific research. Their newest launch, FILORGA HYDRA-AOX 5, is a powerful serum that promises to correct and protect the skin from the baddies that cause the signs of early ageing, namely pollution and blue light.
What are Antioxidants?
Antioxidants became all the rage in the 1990s when clinical studies revealed that these molecules (which are naturally present in our skin but become depleted over time) do an exceptional job of protecting the skin from free radicals, oxidative stress and the resulting skin damage. Overwhelming evidence points to the fact that overexposure to ultraviolet light (UVA and UVB) causes skin ageing, skin cancers and, in the long term, collagen and elastin loss. As these key proteins are broken down, the skin becomes thinner and loses volume. This is where antioxidants can really help.
One of my favourite ingredients in skincare is vitamin C, which has enjoyed celebrity status in the last few years and for good reason. But FILORGA HYDRA-AOX 5 offers 5 antioxidants working together: fighting against the cellular damage inflicted on the skin by free radicals and their triggers, such as UV rays, pollution, dry or cold weather, or bad lifestyle choices. Just like the Springboks’ Rugby World Cup slogan – Stronger Together – they are potent, effective and protective. The brand claims that there is an overall improvement in skin texture and radiance in as little as 7 days.
The Cocktail
This serum’s formulation combines five intrepid fighters of free radicals:
- Vitamin E: Also known as tocopherol, it is a beautiful moisturiser with anti-inflammatory properties. It helps with hyperpigmentation and works really well in a combination formula.
- Vitamin B3: Also dubbed niacinamide, this helps to prevent moisture loss and is therefore a hydrator, smoothing skin texture and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
- Ergothioneine: Abundant in certain types of mushrooms, this is nature’s answer to fading pigmentation. It also offers soothing benefits.
- Vitamin C: Also known as L-ascorbic acid, it is one of the most popular antioxidants. It is essential for collagen production, targets pigmentation, and improves fine lines and wrinkles. However, it is highly unstable, meaning many products on the market don’t contain enough of it to produce good results. Science-backed skincare is the answer!
- Astaxanthin: This powerful ketocarotenoid has serious skin benefits, which include improved skin tone (firmness) and potential protection from UV damage.
How I used FILORGA HYDRA-AOX 5
This serum is suitable for all skin types and my mature skin loved it. I used it on my face and neck after cleansing in the morning; it’s light and non-sticky, has a pleasant, fresh citrus smell and I honestly didn’t need to use a moisturiser afterwards. (We also had some really hot weather!) I just applied a layer of sunscreen over it and that was enough hydration for me. I also tried it under my make-up some days and, as it absorbs quickly, I had no problems with the products fighting with each other!

FILORGA HYDRA-AOX 5 works great for all skin types, including mature skin
The Verdict
I would highly recommend this as a serum that ticks all the boxes – great hydration, blue light absorption and radiant skin from the effects of the antioxidants. Oh, and the price is good too!
Recommended retail selling price: R890 for 30ml
Click here for more info on FILORGA HYDRA-AOX 5 and where to buy it.
Paola Chellew is a freelance journalist and regularly writes for a number of publications. A former professional contemporary dancer, she has always loved the arts in all their forms. She has been a freelance writer for many years and has been published in various magazines including Live Out Loud, Private Life and Do It now magazines. Her passion for beauty and skincare started in her teens, when she would read every beauty editor’s picks and reviews. Serious about skincare, she has researched medical-grade products for over ten years, as well as aesthetic treatments to restore and repair skin to look its best. Having turned 60 last year, she has dedicated her blog to the “over 50s and beyond Club”, shining a spotlight on a generation that is seemingly side-lined by the beauty industry. “There is no age limit for when you stop being beautiful – a gorgeous lipstick, a sexy fragrance, radiant skin- these are not synonymous with youth- they are just things that add an extra sparkle to my day”.
📸 Profile photo credited to Lerissa Kemp Photography