BACKGROUNDEnergy-based devices, such as nonablative lasers, are a promising method to enhance the delivery and absorption of topically applied molecules.OBJECTIVETo characterize ex vivo uptake of common antioxidant topicals after pretreatment with a nonablative laser wavelength.MATERIALS AND METHODSUsing donor human skin tissue, uptake of 3 topical antioxidants was analyzed (C E Ferulic with 15% l-ascorbic acid [15% vitamin C serum], Phloretin CF with ferulic acid [10% vitamin C serum], and Phyto+ [botanical serum]; SkinCeuticals, Dallas, TX; 2010 formulations) after pretreatment with a 1,440-nm nonablative fractional diode laser.RESULTSPretreatment with the 1,440-nm laser enhanced uptake of 15% and 10% vitamin C serums by approximately 10 and 21 times, respectively, compared to controls. Laser pretreatment also enhanced uptake of botanical serum by approximately 6 times relative to controls. Permeation of vitamin C and botanical serums was also enhanced through laser pretreatment.CONCLUSIONNonablative laser pretreatment increased uptake and permeation of topical antioxidants. Optimizing treatment requires consideration of the device and treatment parameters as well as the properties of the topical formulation.