When it comes to skincare, some ingredients love the spotlight — you’ve seen them splashed across every beauty ad and Instagram reel (looking at you, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C). They’re the headliners, the crowd-pleasers.
And then there’s CoQ10. CoQ10 has been around for decades — not just in beauty, but in health and wellness — yet it still flies under the radar. No viral TikTok trend. No flashy marketing campaigns. Just years of scientific backing and the kind of consistent results that make dermatologists and skincare insiders swear by it.
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What Exactly Is CoQ10?
CoQ10, short for coenzyme Q10, is something your body naturally produces. Think of it as your skin cells’ personal power bank — it fuels their repair, regeneration, and day-to-day defense against stress. But just like collagen, our CoQ10 levels drop as we get older, especially after the age of 30.
Lower CoQ10 = less efficient cell repair, more oxidative stress, and eventually, fine lines and dullness start creeping in.
Why Your Skin Loves It
Energises your cells — literally helps them work at full capacity.
Fights free radicals — helps defend against UV damage and pollution.
Supports collagen & elastin — keeps skin bouncy and firm.
Sensitive skin friendly — unlike some actives, CoQ10 is gentle and non-irritating.
CoQ10 is best loved for its powerful anti-aging benefits, thanks to the way it supports your skin’s natural collagen and elastin production. These two structural proteins are the secret behind skin that feels firm, bouncy, and smooth.
By helping to energise skin cells and protect them from oxidative stress, CoQ10 works to maintain and even boost collagen and elastin, keeping your complexion looking fresh, lifted, plump and full of life.
Where To Find It In Skincare
Studies actually show that topical application of CoQ10 may be more effective than oral supplementation. In skincare, you're likely to find it in moisturisers, serums, and even sunscreens and is even better when paired with nourishing oils or ceramides — that way you get both protection and barrier repair in one go.
Our iconic MATE isn’t just another exfoliating essence — it’s powered with CoQ10 to help energise skin cells, fight free radical damage, and keep your complexion looking bright and resilient (plus it has ceramides too!). It works alongside other proven actives and TCM extracts to refine texture, calm inflammation, and keep congestion at bay, all without tipping your sensitive skin over the edge.
Pair it with our Radiance Soft Crème and you’ve got a powerhouse duo: MATE works to treat, smooth, and clear, while Radiance focuses on restoring, hydrating, and strengthening your skin barrier. Together, they’re like the perfect tag team — tackling irritation and dullness while giving you that lit-from-within glow.
When To Start Using It
Honestly, the earlier the better. If you’re in your late 20s or early 30s, CoQ10 is your early prevention plan, especially with something as gentle as Coq10. If you’re past that? Still worth it — it’s never too late for your skin to start getting that energy boost.
CoQ10 From the Inside Out
While topical CoQ10 is amazing, you can also boost your levels from the inside. Foods naturally rich in CoQ10 can support your body’s overall supply, which benefits not just your skin but also your energy and heart health.
Some CoQ10-rich foods to work into your diet:
Fatty fish — salmon, mackerel, sardines.
Nuts & seeds — especially peanuts, sesame seeds, and pistachios.
Leafy greens — spinach, broccoli, and cauliflower.
Whole grains — wheat germ and bran.
Legumes — soybeans, lentils, and peanuts.
Think of it like a double shot of protection — you’re fortifying your skin barrier on the outside with a CoQ10 serum or cream, while nourishing it from the inside with the right foods.
Want to know more about eating the right foods to treat the skin for the inside out?
Your Skin’s New Energy Source
CoQ10 might not come with the hype of a trending serum, but it’s the steady, loyal type — the one doing the real work beneath the surface. Build it into your skincare and diet, and it won’t just show up in a firmer, more radiant complexion — you’ll feel it in your energy, your resilience, and that hard-to-pin-down glow people can’t stop asking about.
With love,
Alia
