Over the past few years, I’ve become very protective of my skin. From being regular with my sunscreen application to taking the time to double cleanse every night, the little changes in my routine are all targeted towards fortifying and shielding my skin. Thus, when I heard of The Inkey List’s Q10 serum, which promises to protect and plump up the skin, I was intrigued. Since it also didn’t cause a dent in my bank account, I went ahead a purchased a bottle. Here is my review.

The serum comes in a squeezable, plastic bottle with a press cap. The white-and-black colour theme and minimal text work well with the brand’s ethos. However, there are two drawbacks. The first is that the bottle is ridiculously small (30 ml). I’ve been using the product for a month now and I’m nearly through with it. The second is that the squeezable format causes a ton of product to gush out. With this formula, a little goes a long way, so it’s quite wasteful. The directions for use are mentioned on the back of the bottle, whilst the key ingredients are printed on the accompanying box.

Before I get into the nitty-gritty details about the formula, I want to talk about the ingredients. Coenzyme Q10 (or ubiquinone) is a powerful antioxidant, which works to protect your skin from the damage caused by environmental factors such as UV rays and pollution. Research also indicates that topical application can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles. In addition to ubiquinone, the serum also contains glycerin, squalane and hyaluronic acid, which are known for their moisturising and plumping properties. It also comprises of Syn®-tacks, their trademarked dual peptide, that boosts collagen production, and dimethicone, a silicone polymer. It has no added fragrance.

In terms of consistency, it feels more like a gel moisturiser than a serum. Pale yellow in colour, this formula spreads easily across the skin (thanks to the dimethicone) and sinks in quickly, without leaving behind a tacky or visible film. A pea-sized amount is enough to cover my entire face. I’ve worn it under my sunscreen and foundation, and have never had a problem with any product pilling or flaking. 

As I mentioned before, I’ve been using this product every morning for the past month. While it may not be noticeable to others, I’ve found that this formula has made tiny, but significant changes to my complexion. My skin feels supple, hydrated and bit more radiant. Although I don’t have too many wrinkles yet, I do feel like it can help plump up your skin and minimise their appearance. Another huge plus point is that it hasn’t irritated my skin at all. My skin is quite reactive, but I’ve never faced any redness, peeling or zits when using this.

All in all, this is a solid booster product to add to your routine. If you find that your skin cannot tolerate vitamin C serums or are looking to add a layer of protection to your face, this is definitely a worthy contender.

Price: USD 6.99

Key Ingredients: Ubiquinone, Squalane, Syn®-tacks, Glycerin and Hyaluronic Acid

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