CoQ10 is the short name for Coenzyme Q10, also known as Ubiquinone. It’s a nifty little compound that our body makes naturally with powerful antioxidant properties to protect us from environmental stressors. Unlike wine and cheese, CoQ10 production doesn't get better with age. But thanks to science and some dietary know-how, you can give your body a boost by taking supplements or eating certain foods.
What does this substance have to do with skincare? We're glad you asked! Stick around to find out what CoQ10 is and where it comes from, how it can enhance your beauty routine, the benefits of using it, who it's best for, and answers to any other burning questions you may have.
IN A NUTSHELL
Ingredient Category: Antioxidant
Main Benefit: It helps protect skin, even skin tone, and smooth your skin.
Find It In: Crème de la Cream Brightening Moisturizer, H2 Oh Yeah Hydrating Moisturizer, Youth Fairy Retinol Moisturizer, and Prince Charcoal Detox Mask.
What Is CoQ10? Where Is It From?
Coenzyme Q10 (code name: CoQ10) is a fat-soluble quinone compound that occurs in our bodies – and in animals, legumes, fruits, veggies, and some oils, too. This little powerhouse has a handful of important jobs, but it's mainly responsible for boosting energy production and protecting us from damage. That saint-like selflessness extends to the skin, which falls victim to stress from UV rays, pollution, and other environmental stressors.
Once upon a time, scientists used to extract CoQ10 from the tissues of horses; but fret not, animal lovers– it is now mainly derived from fermented natural yeast. Once isolated, it goes into vitamins, supplements, and cosmetic products that you can apply topically.
Like its popular friend vitamin C, CoQ10 can enhance serums, moisturizers, and toners, giving skin a jumpstart and helping to even tone, firm skin, and diminish the look of wrinkles.
10 Benefits of CoQ10 in Your Skincare Products
CoQ10 is a giver, offering tons of perks to the body, both inside and out. While many take it orally, CoQ10 is just as beneficial when it comes to the skin.
Here are 10 Coenzyme Q10 skin care benefits you should know about.
1. It protects skin from environmental stressors.
Our skin is a champ that takes a daily beating from pollution, UV rays, and other outdoor elements. CoQ10 uses its power as an antioxidant to protect it by counteracting those effects, helping to plump skin in the process.
2. It contributes to an even skin tone.
CoQ10 likes the limelight and tends to interfere with some of the processes that cause uneven skin tone, resulting in a revitalized complexion.
3. It energizes the skin.
One of CoQ10's main claims to fame is its role as hype man for our skin. It works to invigorate and strengthen it, making it that much better at soaking up nutrients that keep it healthy.
4. It helps your skin retain moisture.
By helping your skin kick impurities to the curb, CoQ10 makes it easier to hang onto the moisture it already has.
5. It fights dullness and tightens things up.
The gift that keeps on giving, Coenzyme Q10 has a plumping effect that smooths and firms the skin.
6. It minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Those smooth moves also help to fill in wrinkles, reducing the appearance of them.
7. It can help prevent future damage.
While fine lines are firming up, your skin becomes stronger and therefore more capable of resisting damage from environmental stressors down the line.
8. It can be applied daily.
CoQ10 is well-tolerated by most people and can be applied regularly without issue. That means you can incorporate products that contain this handy little helper into both your morning and nighttime skincare routines.
9. It's safe to mix with other ingredients.
Thanks to CoQ10's fat-soluble nature, it plays nicely with ingredients like vitamin C, retinol, hyaluronic acid, and glycolic acid. It can also enhance everything from aloe vera and acai to green tea.
10. It's great for users of all ages.
With the exception of very small children, CoQ10 can help people of all ages. It shields skin to the very top, delivering potent antioxidant protection to the layer that needs it most. It can neutralize both short-term harm and counteract age-related damage, making it excellent for users young and old.
How to Use CoQ10 for Skin
CoQ10 is best used in toners, moisturizers, serums, under-eye creams, and facial oils. Any of these can help you reap its skin care benefits, especially when they're packed with other nourishing ingredients. Remember to apply your skincare products in order of thinnest (toners) to thickest (moisturizers), and allow everything time to absorb in your skin.
Here's a step-by-step guide to your daily skincare routine:
1. Cleanse your face and neck with a gentle cleanser.
2. Apply your toner of choice and give it time to absorb (we love a good rose water toner!).
3. Massage a few drops of your favorite serum to your face and neck.
4. While that is absorbing, apply an eye cream to perk up your eye area.
5. Apply moisturizer to your face and neck. Your face cream is the easiest way to incorporate CoQ10 to your daily regimen. All our moisturizers include this amazing ingredient.
Not sure which face cream is best for your skin? Try Crème de la Cream for brightening.
H2 Oh Yeah for hydrating.
And Youth Fairy for anti-aging.
6. Don’t forget to include sunscreen during the day to give CoQ10 the best fighting chance at keeping your skin safe.
Pro Tip: If applying body lotion with CoQ10, try to do it as soon as you can after getting out of the shower. That's when your pores are most open and ready to soak up all that hydrating goodness.
What Skin Type Is CoQ10 Good for?
One of the greatest things about CoQ10 is its versatility. It shows up in a range of products packed with powerhouse ingredients meant to suit any skin type. Here are some skin types that could benefit from CoQ10:
Sensitive
If you're prone to breaking out or can't handle harsh ingredients, don't worry if CoQ10 is on the ingredients list. It has a gentle effect and since it naturally occurs in our bodies, it shouldn’t shock your skin.
Dry
CoQ10 is prevalent in many moisturizers and enables them to do their job even better. It helps your skin build resilience and hold onto moisture, allowing it to stay supple and healthy-looking. Just check labels for drying ingredients like fragrances or synthetic dyes that could counteract its awesomeness.
Oily/Combination
CoQ10 kicks butt at revitalizing your skin and making it function at peak condition to better flush out impurities. If you have oily or combination skin that's prone to clogging, CoQ10 will benefit your skin.
CoQ10 is also useful for anyone who deals with tons of sun exposure or pollution daily. That means you, busy city commuters and sun babies! Pretty much anyone can use beauty products that contain CoQ10, so have fun experimenting to see what works best for your unique skin.
Frequently Asked Questions About CoQ10 and Skin Care
Are there any adverse reactions?
When applied topically, CoQ10 is generally considered safe for most skin types. But as with any skincare product, results and allergies vary, so do a patch test beforehand to ensure it works for you.
Is it vegan?
Whether CoQ10 is vegan depends on where it's derived from. While it can come from a variety of sources, it's commonly obtained from fermented yeast. When buying products containing CoQ10, look for a confirmation on the label that all ingredients are vegan-friendly.
What is it best for?
CoQ10 as an ingredient in lotions, creams, and serums is best used on your face, neck, and body to help firm skin, even tone, and counteract the effects of aging.
What if I want to take CoQ10 supplements and apply it to my skin?
Like your mother used to say, moderation is best in all things. As long as you're not going overboard, you should be okay!
Is it better than vitamin C?
CoQ10 and vitamin C work wonders when paired together. When used alone, each works its own magic, but applying them together can make each even more efficacious.
Can I use it while pregnant?
Coenzyme Q10 supplements have been used safely by pregnant women, but more research is needed. As far as topical applications go, the risk is low, but you should always consult your OBGYN and check ingredients labels thoroughly.
Is there anyone who shouldn't use CoQ10?
Those with certain skin conditions should consult with their dermatologist. Better safe than sorry!
What does CoQ10 do in skin care?
CoQ10, or Coenzyme Q10, is full of antioxidant properties that protect the skin from environmental stressors, energizes the skin, and helps your skin retain moisture. In addition to its ability to help even out skin tone, it helps reduce dullness and tightens up the skin.
Summing Up CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10) for Your Skin
Now you're up to snuff on everything CoQ10, from what it is and what it does to how to incorporate it into your daily routine. This nifty little compound can pop up in a host of products, is great for all skin types, and works hard to ensure your skin is protected and looks healthy and bright.
