There is provided an antioxidant agent excellent in anti-dripping property and anti-peeling property. The antioxidant agent in accordance with the present invention contains a plurality of glass frits having different softening points, potter's clay, and bentonite and/or sepiolite. On account of the potter's clay, the antioxidant agent applied to the surface of a metallic starting material is less liable to drip down. Further, on account of the bentonite and/or sepiolite, the antioxidant agent is less liable to peel off the surface of the metallic starting material.