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Swisse CosQ10 Anti-ageing Facial Moisturiser
moisturize,  Swisse

Swisse CoQ10 Anti-ageing Facial Moisturiser

the claim

The Swisse CoQ10 Anti-ageing Facial Moisturiser helps to nourish, hydrate, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and even skin tone, providing a radiant, healthy appearance.
 

the science

Co-Enzyme, CoQ10 (also known as Ubiquinone) is a powerful antioxidant that is naturally found in our bodies, but like Squalane (also in the formula), levels decrease with age. Stress can also affect the amount of CoQ10 naturally produced. CoQ10 boosts skin repair and regeneration, plumps skin and reduces free radical damage. This results in an improvement in the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and a healthy glow. It is therefore a super force against ageing. Squalane oil is non-greasy, anti-bacterial and non-comedogenic, (won’t clog pores) and also displays antioxidant properties which promote even skin tone and cell growth.
 
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera Extract is included in this formula for its soothing, hydrating and healing abilities. It acts as a protective layer on the skin helping to replenish moisture and improve the rate of healing by reducing skin inflammations, blistering and itchiness.
 
Additionally aloe vera displays anti-ageing and antibacterial properties due to its high content of antioxidants (beta carotene, vitamin C and E).
 
Grape Seed Oil is packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, together with its ability to cleanse pores ensures it’s great for treating acne. It is also said to relieve dark under eye circles, moisturise even sensitive skin and increase elasticity with regular use.
 
Avocado Oil strengthens the skin barrier and is efficient at hydrating and softening skin, often recommended as an acne, eczema and skin inflammation treatment. Resveratrol is found in the skins and peels of grapes, berries and certain other fruits. A potent antioxidant much like Retinyl Palmitate and Beta-Carotene, each contributes to the protection of skin from free radical damage.
 
Niacinamide (a Vitamin B3 derivative) is known to even out skin tone, great for people who suffer rosacea, redness or irritation. It suppresses melanin from reaching the skin surface, assisting to reduce age spots, freckles and hyperpigmentation. It also protects from further UV damage and can reduce fine lines. According to a study by Proctor and Gamble, 5% Niacinamide applied for 12 weeks resulted in reductions of fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmented spots and blotchiness.
 
A potent antioxidant, Tocopherol, a form of Vitamin E, protects cells from the damaging effects of free radicals. Anti-ageing benefits include tightening and firming whilst also adding hydration and moisture to the skin. Similar characteristics are displayed by the Grapefruit Peel Oil. This too displays excellent anti-ageing and nourishing properties since it is also a strong antioxidant, high in flavonoids. Rich in Vitamin C, it promotes collagen production to improve skin elasticity and diminish hyperpigmentation.
 
Another ingredient from the citrus family is Tangerine Peel Oil, known for its antifungal and antiseptic properties. It’s a great remedy for acne and skin impurities.
 
Many other natural extracts in this formula are effective at soothing and healing the skin such as Blueberry, Milk Thistle (Silybum Marianum) and Plantolin (Centipeda Cunighamii).
 
Swisse CoQ10 Anti-ageing Facial Moisturiser
 

the ingredients

Aqueous Extract of Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Niacinamide, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Squalane, Ubiquinone, Resveratrol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Retinyl Palmitate, Centipeda Cunninghamii Extract, Vaccinium Uliginosum Berry Extract, Silybum Marianum Extract, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Fusanus Spicatus Wood Oil, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Peel Oil, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Beta-Carotene, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol
 

the packaging

This cream comes in a brown tinted (light sensitive) glass screw top jar with protective inner cap.
 

the analysis

Both the CosDNA analysis and EWG Cosmetics Database, rate the Swisse moisturiser similarly. Only one red flag is raised against Retinyl Palmitate, a retinol derivative, due to the fact that it makes skin more sun sensitive and hence increases the risk of sun damage and skin cancers. However, this is a star anti-ageing ingredient that should be applied with caution (i.e. followed by a vigilant application of sunscreen during daylight hours).
 
Swisse CoQ10 Anti-ageing Facial moisturiser CosDNA Analysis

the application

Use daily after cleansing. Gently massage into skin in a circular motion to stimulate absorption.
 

the scent

The smell of this cream is very earthy with hints of spice, probably due to the natural oils and plant extracts. It reminds me of a forest after the rain.
 

the cost

The Swisse CoQ10 moisturiser sells for AUD$24.95 for a 50ml jar.
 

the availability

The Swisse skincare range is readily available at pharmacies, selected supermarkets and department stores.
 
Swisse CoQ10 moisturiser texture
 

the expiry

The products lasts 12 months after opening.
 

the performance

This product is well priced and often found much cheaper during percentage off sales, so always good to keep an eye on pharmacy catalogues. The fragrance is natural but fairly strong, likely due to the plant oils. It is not a scent that bothers me, in fact, I quite like the slightly medicinal, earthy smell. The texture is quite thick and silky with lots of slip. I find it too heavy to apply in the morning but love the extra depth of richness it offers my skin overnight. It absorbs well without any greasy residue. It feels very hydrating and quite luxurious to apply.
 
The ingredient list is impressive being 95% naturally derived. I contacted Swisse regarding the concentration of Retinyl Palmitate in this formula, as the directions don’t warn against use during the day nor do they recommend complementing it with sun protection. Their response supports the suspicion that the amount is negligible:

We would like to advise that, unfortunately, are not able to provide you with the percentage of Retinyl Palmitate in the Swisse CoQ10 Anti-Aging. We can confirm that it contains a small percentage.

 
Swisse CoQ10 Anti-ageing Facial Moisturiser
 
I used this cream consistently at the end of my evening routine over a period of approximately eight weeks (during winter). As far as the claims from Swisse are concerned, it did hydrate my skin well although dry patches on my cheeks had improved but were not fully replenished.
 
After a few weeks, this face moisturiser delivered a soft, powder like skin texture. I stopped the cream and replaced it with another I am trialing and found that although the new one was nice, it didn’t give me the same level of softness. This was the only change to my routine, so I can confidently contribute that improvement in my skin texture to the Swisse CoQ10 facial moisturiser, particularly since the same softness was experienced again upon re-introducing it. I did not however see any reduction in fine lines or wrinkles.
 

the conclusion

Although my two month trial failed to substantiate all the manufacturer’s claims, I was sufficiently impressed with the level of hydration, texture improvement and healthy glow that this product delivered. It boasts a great selection of natural ingredients backed up with solid results, at least for me and my skin type. For the record, I have combination skin comprising an oily T-zone and cheeks bordering on dry. Swisse claims this cream would suit all skin types and I tend to agree since it helps without clogging pores and hydrates well. All up, I was pleasantly surprised with how well this product performed. Add to that the fact that it is Australian made and over 95% naturally derived and it gets two thumbs up from me.
 

the references

Swisse website
The skincare benefits of CoQ10! Nourished Life
What is CoQ10? The Benefits to Skin & Weight Loss Dr Perricone
Five CoEnzyme Q10 Benefits Works with water
The Benefits Of Using Aloe Vera For Skin Care And More Elizabeth Rocchino
Bring Back Nutrients Aloe Vera of Australia
Grape Seed Oil for Skin New Health Guide
How to Apply Avocado Oil for Face Moisturization Super food profiles
Squalane The Dermatology Review
Resveratrol: What does it do for the skin? Beautiful with brains
Niacinamide The Truth In Aging
Vitamin E (Tocopherol) for Skin, the Classic Antioxidant Annmarie website
Grapefruit Peel Oil: A World Wonder in Anti-Aging D’Vine Uncorked
Tangerine Oil: A Citrusy Essential Oil With Well-Rounded Uses Mercola website

 


the disclaimer

Please read in context with my disclaimer.
 


 

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