Why CoQ10 Is the Ingredient You've Been Missing

Written by Kaleigh Fasanella — December 14, 2023

If you’re looking for a way to level-up your skincare routine and actually see visible results — like a smoother texture and a brighter, more even complexion — look no further than CoQ10. Like other antioxidants, CoQ10 (short for coenzyme Q10) works by helping protect the skin from free radical damage found in our environment, which is a big deal if you’re looking to support collagen production and stave off premature signs of aging.

Even better? CoQ10 is also suitable for all skin types and pairs well with other ingredients — even retinoids — according to board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, M.D. Here’s why you need it in your routine, stat.

How CoQ10 works

While it’s not the newest antioxidant out there, it’s one with staying power — and for good reason. “Found naturally in the body, CoQ10 helps to protect the skin against free radical damage, thereby working to improve the appearance of dark spots, fine lines, wrinkles, and more,” says Dr. Garshick. “It also works to energize cellular activity, which is important for the repair and regeneration process of the skin.” It depletes naturally as your body ages, which is why it’s great to incorporate into your skincare routine.

CoQ10 is also beloved for its glow-boosting abilities. “It helps to brighten skin by defending against free radical damage, which is responsible for dark marks and other pigmentation issues,” says Dr. Garshick. And because your skin’s natural levels of CoQ10 naturally drop with age, adding it to your skincare regimen can help make up for what you’re missing, she says.

Last but definitely not least: CoQ10 works synergistically with other active ingredients, like vitamins C, E, acids, and retinol. The payoff? They all work better, giving your skin maximum protection and radiance. Using CoQ10 at the beginning of your routine also helps the rest of the ingredients in your routine work harder for you, which is why we put it as the main active in this liquid leave-on treatment.

What skin types benefit from CoQ10

All skin types can reap the benefits of CoQ10, even those with sensitive skin. And it’s also an especially great antioxidant for those with mature skin, as it plays well with retinoids and specifically fights free radical damage that leads to accelerated aging, says Dr. Garshick.

It doesn’t have any harsh side effects, either. That said, “while it can be used by all skin types, it is still best for those with vitiligo to check with a dermatologist prior to use,” she says. (This is to ensure it won’t cause any further pigmentation changes that may be unwanted.)

How to use CoQ10 in your skincare routine

Because it’s so effective and widely well-tolerated, CoQ10 was a perfect fit for the Cloudberry Bright Essence Toner. In fact, it’s one of the primary ingredients in the treatment toner, which helps prep, prime, and hydrate skin while enhancing radiance and evening out skin tone — making it the hardest-working formula in your routine.

It pairs CoQ10 with cloudberry concentrate — a superfruit naturally rich in vitamin C, E, and omega fatty acids — to aid in brightening, hydrating, and evening out skin tone. As if that wasn’t enough, it’s also enriched with soothing fermented rice water, oat and collagen amino acids to maintain optimal hydration, and 5% glycerin to lock in moisture and prevent water loss.

For best results, use the hybrid essence-toner daily in the morning and evening right after cleansing and before any other skincare — since the combination of moisturizing ingredients and CoQ10 gives it the ability to enhance the efficacy of other products you use. (In other words, it not only works well in its own right, but makes all your other skincare formulas work better, too.)

You only need one or two pumps for your whole face and neck. From there, follow up with your favorite serum and moisturizer, and you’re all good to go. With consistent use, CoQ10 is bound to bring out the brightest in your skin.

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