What Is Activated Oxygen in Skincare?
Activated oxygen, or ozone (O3), is a molecule composed of three oxygen atoms. When introduced into a plant oil or glycerin under controlled conditions, it forms stable compounds called ozonides and peroxides. Ozonated oils and ozonated glycerin have a long history in European botanical and personal-care traditions, and they form the foundation of every Kōzōn formula.
Kōzōn's founder, Szilvia Szuts, became interested in ozonated oils as a skincare ingredient through her own botanical-skincare practice. Over the years, she spent extensive time researching the ingredient — its history, formulation chemistry, and how different plant oils respond to the ozonation process. That research became the foundation of how Kōzōn's formulations are designed today.
How Ozonated Oils and Glycerin Are Made
Ozonated oils and ozonated glycerin are created through a cold-infusion process. Medical-grade ozone is slowly bubbled through a base liquid — an oil (like apricot kernel) or glycerin — under carefully controlled conditions. As the ozone reacts with the base, it forms stable compounds called ozonides and peroxides. These compounds are what give ozonated ingredients their characteristic sensory signature and distinctive light feel.
The process requires precision. Over-ozonation degrades the base and reduces the benefit; under-ozonation leaves too little active compound. Peroxide value (a measure used by formulators) has to be carefully measured to keep the finished ingredient within the range we design for.
At Kōzōn, our ozonated glycerin is manufactured in-house by Szilvia, ensuring full control over concentration, quality, and consistency at every step of the process. This hands-on approach to formulation is central to who we are — every batch is made with the same care and attention to detail.
Research Background on Ozonated Ingredients
A note before this section. The following summarises published research on ozonated oils and ozonated glycerin as a category of study. It is not a claim about Kōzōn products, and it is not a recommendation for any medical use. Kōzōn products are cosmetics intended for topical use; they are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Much of the research below describes studies conducted in medical contexts that are distinct from cosmetic product use. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for any medical concern.
Scientific interest in ozonated oils has grown steadily over the past two decades. Published peer-reviewed research in this area includes:
- A 2010 review in Mediators of Inflammation (Travagli et al.; PMC2910505) that examined ozonated oils across a range of dermatological and wound-care contexts studied in medical settings, discussing cellular and biochemical mechanisms observed in laboratory work.
- A 2022 systematic review in the International Wound Journal (Leon et al.; PMC9615280) that reviewed multiple studies examining ozonated liquids on human skin. The review reported that none of the studies included in their review identified significant dermatological risks from topical ozonated water or oil in their protocols.
- A 2025 randomised controlled trial in Lipids in Health and Disease (Vahedi et al.; PubMed 41024096) that evaluated topical ozonated olive oil in a clinical context. The study was conducted under medical supervision and is a clinical, not cosmetic, research context.
This is the research literature that exists in 2026. It is interesting mechanistic and clinical context. It is not a basis for making medical claims about cosmetic products, and we don't do so. Our cosmetic products are marketed with cosmetic claims, within the cosmetic regulatory category.
Why Kōzōn Uses Ozonated Oils — Not Ozone Gas
It's worth distinguishing between ozone gas (used in clinical/medical contexts under professional supervision) and ozonated oils or glycerin (which are the basis of our cosmetic formulations). These are different things.
In ozonated oils and glycerin, the O3 molecule has reacted with the base liquid to form stable compounds that are chemically bound within the finished ingredient. The ozone does not exist as a free gas in the bottle — it's already reacted. This is what makes ozonated ingredients suitable for daily home use as cosmetic products.
The choice of base matters. Apricot kernel oil offers a lightweight texture with fast absorption — well-suited for daily face-oil formats. Glycerin provides a water-soluble, serum-like delivery that layers cleanly under other products. Both meet Kōzōn's food-grade sourcing standard — the same quality requirement we apply to every ingredient in our formulations.
Ozonated Oils vs. Standard Plant Oils — What's Different
| Property | Standard apricot kernel oil | Kōzōn ozonated apricot kernel oil |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Liquid | Slightly thicker, stable consistency |
| Shelf life | 6–12 months | Extended by the ozonation process |
| Active compounds | Fatty acids, vitamin E | Fatty acids, vitamin E, ozonides, peroxides |
| Skin absorption | Fast | Maintained |
| Sensory signature | Neutral | Distinctive light feel on skin |
| Used in | Many conventional skincare products | Kōzōn Etesian Face Oil |
The ozonation process transforms a standard carrier ingredient into one with a distinctive chemical and sensory profile. It is this transformation that makes our formulations characteristically different from conventional plant-oil-based products.
Is Activated Oxygen Safe for Daily Use?
Yes, when properly formulated. Ozonated plant oils and ozonated glycerin are designed for daily topical use. The ozone in Kōzōn products is already chemically bound within the base ingredient, and our products are formulated as cosmetics for topical use only.
All Kōzōn formulas use fewer than eight ingredients each, reducing the number of potential sensitisers. Every ingredient is organic and food-grade, with no synthetic fragrances, preservatives, or fillers. Our products are suitable for sensitive, blemish-prone, combination, and mature skin types.
For new users, we recommend a simple patch test: apply a small amount to the inside of your wrist, wait 24 hours, and check for any reaction before applying to your face. If you have a specific skin condition or are undergoing treatment, consult your dermatologist before adding any new product to your routine.
How Kōzōn Uses Activated Oxygen in Each Product
Etesian Face Oil — Ozonated apricot kernel oil is the primary ingredient, combined with cistus and frankincense essential oils for a lightweight daily face oil that supports the appearance of a smoother, well-hydrated complexion.
Zephyr Eye Serum — A targeted ozone-infused formula for the delicate eye area, designed to support the appearance of firmer-looking eye-area skin and help minimise the look of fine lines and dark circles.
Helios SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen — Our non-nano zinc oxide sunscreen incorporates ozonated ingredients alongside nourishing plant butters for mineral-based sun protection. (Regulated as an OTC sunscreen drug product per FDA monograph.)
Ozonated Glycerin — Manufactured in-house, our standalone Ozonated Glycerin is a concentrated single-ingredient product for daily hydration. Learn more in our complete guide to ozonated glycerin.
Every Kōzōn product is made with pure, organic ingredients — many sourced locally in Idaho or from trusted suppliers in Oregon. To learn more about our approach, visit our About page or browse our FAQ.
Formulated and written by Szilvia Szuts, Founder
Last updated: April 2026
Disclaimer
Kōzōn products are cosmetics intended for topical use. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Research discussed in this article is educational context about the ozonated-ingredient category; it is not a claim about any specific Kōzōn product. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for any medical concern.