A 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-1-naphthalenol derivative of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 represent lower alkyl,R.sub.5 and R.sub.6 represent hydrogen or lower alkyl,R represents hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.18 alkyl, C.sub.2 -C.sub.18 alkyl substituted by one or more hydroxyl groups, C.sub.3 -C.sub.18 alkenyl, C.sub.2 -C.sub.18 acyl, benzyl, benzoyl, carboxyl and carboxylic salts of an alkali or alkaline earth metal or of an organic amine.The derivative is useful as an antioxidant in cosmetic compositions and in pharmaceutical compositions for the preventive treatment of cutaneous inflammations and allergies or certain forms of cancer.