An organic UVA filter-stabilized antioxidant system demonstrates stabilization after UV exposure as compared with controls lacking the UVA filter stabilizer. The organic UVA filter-stabilized antioxidant system provides a cosmetic composition that confers preserved and sustained antioxidant efficacy to keratinous tissue. The antioxidant system includes a combination of at least one hydroxycinnamate derivative, and an organic, water-soluble UVA filter in a water-based carrier.