As we continue exploring ingredients that truly make a difference to our skin’s health, one name that keeps popping up – and for good reason – is coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10 for short. You might have seen it on skincare labels or heard it mentioned alongside powerhouse ingredients like retinol and vitamin C. But what exactly is it, and why is it making waves in the skincare world?
Let’s dive into what CoQ10 is, how it supports your skin, and why pairing it with other key ingredients (like we do in our No.1 Retinol + CoQ10 Serum) can give your skin a real edge – especially if aging is a concern.
What is CoQ10 and why does your skin need it?
CoQ10, also known as ubiquinone, is a vitamin-like substance found in every cell of the body, where it plays a vital role in producing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) – the energy molecule that powers cellular functions crucial to skin health like regeneration and repair. In the skin, this means CoQ10 helps maintain vitality, resilience, and a healthy complexion. CoQ10’s antioxidant properties also make it a powerful shield against free radicals – unstable molecules that contribute to oxidative stress and accelerate the skin’s ageing process.
As we age, our natural supply of CoQ10 declines. This reduction leaves skin cells with less energy and weaker defences against environmental stressors like UV rays and pollution, leading to common signs of ageing such as fine lines, wrinkles and loss of firmness. Topical application of CoQ10 helps restore these depleted reserves, supporting collagen production, energising skin cells, and strengthening the skin barrier. The result is smoother texture, enhanced elasticity, and improved hydration.
But CoQ10 isn’t just a remedy for existing concerns – it also plays a key role in preventative skincare. Incorporating CoQ10 into your routine early fortifies your skin’s natural defences and supports the repair processes that keep it looking youthful – helping to maintain the skin’s firmness, elasticity, and radiance. Whether you’re beginning to notice the first signs of ageing or simply want to future-proof your complexion, CoQ10 is a smart, effective addition to your skincare routine.
How can I add CoQ10 to my routine?
The good news is that CoQ10 is incredibly easy to incorporate into your skincare routine. Serums are the most effective way to deliver it topically, as their lightweight texture and small molecular structure allow active ingredients like CoQ10 to absorb more deeply into the skin and target skin issues at their core. CoQ10 is also tolerated well by most skin types, including sensitive skin, making it a great option for a wide range of users. Applied after cleansing and before moisturiser, a CoQ10 serum can therefore make a real difference when used regularly.
Retinol and CoQ10: the ultimate duo for youthful skin
At House of Serums, we believe in creating products that work with your skin, not against it, and our Retinol + CoQ10 Serum is a perfect embodiment of this philosophy. We’ve carefully paired encapsulated retinol at 0.3%, a gentler and more stable form that delivers visible results with minimal irritation, with antioxidant-rich CoQ10 to support the skin’s natural barrier. Retinol accelerates skin cell turnover, smooths texture, reduces fine lines, and brightens the complexion by fading pigmentation, while CoQ10 energises skin cells, helping them repair and regenerate while also protecting against free radical damage. Together, these two ingredients work synergistically to help rejuvenate the skin, promoting smoother, firmer texture with reduced signs of aging – without the irritation that often accompanies retinol use.
The relationship between CoQ10 and other antioxidants
CoQ10 also works wonderfully in harmony with other powerful antioxidants to enhance its skin benefits, and that’s why we’ve included a carefully selected blend of antioxidant-rich ingredients in our Retinol + CoQ10 Serum. While CoQ10 protects and energises skin cells, other antioxidants like vitamin E and cold-pressed rosehip, grapeseed, sea buckthorn, and cranberry oils help further shield the skin from environmental stressors. Together, these ingredients work in tandem to soothe and protect the skin, enhance the visible effects of retinol, and help maintain a smooth, youthful complexion.
Topical CoQ10 is a standout ingredient when it comes to supporting healthier, more vibrant skin. As natural levels decline with age, so does the skin’s ability to defend itself and recover from daily stressors. By restoring CoQ10 through skincare, we can help energise skin cells, strengthen the barrier, and soften the appearance of fine lines and dullness. It also enhances texture, promotes hydration, and improves the skin’s ability to bounce back from environmental challenges.
At House of Serums, our Retinol + CoQ10 Serum is designed to harness these benefits in a gentle, effective formula. With encapsulated retinol and a nourishing blend of antioxidants, this serum offers a proactive, balanced approach to aging – perfect for those looking to revitalise the complexion while caring for skin long-term.
References:
- The role of coenzyme Q10: https://cordis.europa.eu/article/id/151508-the-role-of-coenzyme-q10
- The role of coenzyme Q10 in skin aging and opportunities for topical intervention: a review: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11324190/#:~:text=Discussion,including%20signs%20of%20skin%20aging
- Oxidative stress: harms and benefits for human health: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5551541/
- Review on face serum by Shrutika Mankar and Sunita Vaidya
- Adenosine triphosphate: https://www.britannica.com/science/adenosine-triphosphate
- Human skin ageing and the anti-aging properties of retinol: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10669284/
- A comprehensive review of the strategies to reduce retinoid-induced skin irritation in topical formulation: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11344648/
- A-Z of Natural Cosmetic Formulation by Gail Francombe, p35
- Skin and antioxidants: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/235403921_Skin_and_antioxidants
- Topical treatment with coenzyme Q10‐containing formulas improves skin's Q10 level and provides antioxidative effects: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4737275/
- Antioxidants in dermatology: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4030358/
